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History & Discoveries
The Original Olmsted Trees
Celebrating the history of tree planting and tree preservation at the U.S. Capitol Grounds by highlighting some of the oldest trees on the grounds.
History & Discoveries
Jefferson Finds Capitol Inspiration in City of Light
Thomas Jefferson, inspired by skylights he saw in Paris, prevailed upon the Architect of the Capitol to include something similar in the U.S. Capitol's new chamber for the House of Representatives. However, all the skylights came to an untimely end.
History & Discoveries
Evolution of Women in Art at the U.S. Capitol
An in-depth look at the evolution of women in art at the U.S. Capitol.
History & Discoveries
Capitol Illumination
Learn more about the history of lighting this iconic building including the part of the Dome called the "tholos."
Comments
I'm speculating that the numbers on the block and the coin bags in the Capitol Extension Pediment were a praise to the Pierce Administration's success in negotiating the Canadian Reciprocity Treaty of 1854 (signed June 5). Reportedly, Mr. William L. Marcy ( Sec. of State) had bribed Halifax, Fredericton, and St. John's in order to facilitate passage; while Lord Elgin floated it through the U.S. Senate on an ocean of Champagne. I have no actual knowledge, but suggest that the coin bags represent the small relative price paid for the greater speculation of what the Treaty would have been sold as being worth to the USA at the time. - Joe
These close-up photos are beautiful and your descriptions made me want to see every detail. I would love to see this photo spread (and more) as a special exhibit in the visitors’ center. Explanatory notes accompanying the exhibit would reveal the thinking of the time and help us understand how ideas change over a historical period.
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