Mr. Bratvold VIRTUAL TOUR OF THE U.S. CAPITOL BUILDING
Mar 28, 2015
Mr. Bratvold
VIRTUAL TOUR OF THE U.S. CAPITOL BUILDING
U.S. Capitol
The capital building is home to the legislative branch of the United States Government. The building was designed William Thorton, which was then revised by a committee of five, headed by Thomas Jefferson.
Ahead will be a virtual tour of the U.S. Capitol building!
Purpose of Virtual Field Trip To learn the history of construction of
the U.S. Capitol To view in inside of a historic and
important building in the United States.
U.S. Capitol
West Front of U.S. Capitol Image from www.aoc.gov/images/c_wf_1.jpg
U.S. Capitol
East Front of the U.S. Capitol, traditionally used for the entrance of visitors and diplomatsImage From: http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2009/01/inaugural_preparations.html
U.S. Capitol
Aerial photo of U.S. Capitol facing the east frontPhoto From: http://s.wsj.net/public/resources/images/
U.S. Capitol Building History The building was not fully complete until
1811, however in spite of an unfinished building the senate wing was finished in 1800 and the first session of congress held in the U.S. Capitol took place that year.
During the War of 1812 in 1814, the Capitol was partially burned, it was rebuilt by 1819.
Throughout 1850-1900 there was a major expansion, including two new House and Senate chambers
Initial Floor Plan for U.S. Capitol
U.S. Capitol’s original layout before expansions, agreed on by the committee Thomas Jefferson called on.Image from: www.loc.gov/exhibits/us.capitol/sixtfour.jpg
Old House Chamber
In 1864 each state was asked to contribute statues of prominent citizens which are now displayed in the old house chamberImage from: z.about.com/d/dc/1/0/J/o/statuaryhall.jpg
Old Senate Chamber
Used until 1859, when the new Senate chamber was complete.Image From: http://www.aoc.gov/images/old_sen_ch_1.jpg
RotundaCeiling view of the rotundaImage from:http://www.scientificpsychic.com/alpha/travel/us-capitol.html
Close up of the painting on the ceiling of the rotundahttp://www.scientificpsychic.com/alpha/travel/us-capitol.html
The painting atop the rotunda is called “The Apotheosis of Washington” by Constantino Brumidi
Crypt
Initially planned to hold George Washington’s body, upon completion it was decided against, and now houses a gift shopImage From: http://www.scientificpsychic.com/alpha/travel/us-capitol.html
President’s Room
No longer used by the president to sign bills due to rescheduling of congress’s meetings by the 20th amendmentImage From: http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/0bP022k6UEgA6/610x.jpg
New House Chamber
Image From: http://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/VC/visitor_info/blue/images/hchamber.jpg
New Senate Chamber
Image From: http://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/resources/graphic/xlarge/08_30_05(15-29-12)_108th_xl.jpg
Questions to Discuss
What is the purpose of the legislative body in the U.S. Government?
From which side of the Capitol would a diplomat from a foreign nation likely be welcomed into?
The expansion of the U.S. capitol took place over a long span, when was it started?
Further Reading
Java Interactive Tour http://www.senate.gov/vtour/4high.htm
Historic Events listing http://www.senate.gov/vtour/2high.htm
This week in senate history http://www.senate.gov/pagelayout/hi
story/g_three_sections_with_teasers/origins.htm