Mr. Bratvold

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