Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
EVENTS IN THE US CAPITOL'S HISTORY
1. 1787
The US Constitution authorizes the establishment of a federal district to be the seat
of the American government.
2. 1791
George Washington selects the site for the new Capitol, with his city planner, Pierre
Charles L'Enfant, on Jenkins Hill, 88 ft (27 m) above the Potomac River.
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3. 1792
Dr. William Thornton wins a design contest for “Congress House,” in which he pro-
posed a simple central domed hall flanked by two rectangular wings.
4. 1800
Congress moves from Philadelphia to occupy the north wing of the Capitol.
5. 1811
The Capitol is fully occupied by the House of Representatives and Senate, the Su-
preme Court, and Library of Congress.
6. 1814
British troops burn the Capitol during the War of 1812.
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7. 1818
Charles Bulfinch takes over restoration of the fire-damaged building and supervises
its reconstruction. The Senate House and Supreme Court occupy new rooms by 1819
and the Rotunda is first used in 1824 to host a grand reception for General Lafayette.
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