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Welcome to the U.S. Capitol
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  • Plan A Visit
      1. Travel and Guidelines
        1. Getting to the Capitol
        2. Visitor Hours & Info
        3. Accessibility Services
        4. Capitol Etiquette
        5. Prohibited Items
        6. Emergency Evacuation Information
      2. What To Do
        1. Book a Tour
        2. Suggested Itineraries
        3. Explore More of the Capitol
        4. Watching Congress In Session
        5. Where to Eat
        6. Where to Shop
      3. Maps and Tips
        1. Frequently Asked Questions
        2. U.S. Capitol Map
        3. Capitol Visitor Center Indoor Map
        4. Tips for Visiting the Capitol
        5. Orientation Video
      4. Print Materials
        1. Brochures
        2. International Translations
  • Exhibitions
      1. Temporary Exhibits
        1. Legislative Highlights
        2. View By Theme
          1. Congress and the Judicial Branch: Jurisdiction
          2. Congress and the Judicial Branch: Composition
          3. Congress and the Judicial Branch: Negotiation
          4. Congress and the Executive Branch: Nominations and Appointments
          5. Congress and the Executive Branch: Balancing Power
          6. Congress and the Executive Branch: Investigations
      2. Timeline of Congress and the Capitol
        1. Prologue
        2. 1789 - 1815
        3. 1815 - 1851
        4. 1851 - 1877
        5. 1877 - 1913
        6. 1913 - 1945
        7. 1945 - Present
        8. Epilogue
      3. Additional Resources
        1. Take the Capitol Challenge
        2. The Capitol Story
  • Education
      1. Students
        1. Student Orientation Video
        2. Resources & Activities
        3. National History Day (NHD)
      2. Teachers
        1. Student Programs
        2. Lesson Plans
        3. Professional Enrichment
        4. Student Orientation Video
        5. Resources & Activities
      3. Families
        1. Pocket Journal
        2. Special Programs and Encounters
        3. Student Orientation Video
        4. Resources & Activities
  • About Congress
      1. What Congress Does
      2. Two Bodies, One Branch
      3. Making Laws
      4. The U.S. House of Representatives
      5. The U.S. Senate
  • About The Capitol
      1. Evolution of the Capitol
      2. About the Capitol Visitor Center
      3. The Architect of the Capitol
      4. Careers
  • Calendar
  • Connect
      1. Questions & Comments
      2. Social Media
      3. Volunteer
      4. Visitor Survey
      5. Website Survey
      6. YouTube Videos
      7. Apps
  • Subscribe

Breadcrumb

  1. U.S. Capitol Visitor Center
  2. Exhibitions
  3. Additional Resources
  4. The Capitol Story

The Capitol Story

The iconic and majestic United States Capitol is the most widely recognized symbol of democratic government in the world. It is where the issues facing the nation are considered, debated, and written into law. Images of this national treasure have become synonymous with American strength and freedom.

The British Burn the Capitol, August 24, 1814 The British Burn the Capitol, August 24, 1814 Two hundred years ago, British troops marched on Washington, D.C., intent on striking a blow against the capital city during the War of 1812.
The Capitol Dome The Capitol Dome The Capitol’s iron dome, an instantly recognizable American symbol, has long been admired for its majestic beauty and its ingenious engineering.
The Statue of Freedom The Statue of Freedom The bronze Statue of Freedom, facing east over the central entrance, crowns the dome of the United States Capitol.
The Frieze of American History The Frieze of American History The Frieze of American History in the Rotunda of the United States Capitol contains a painted panorama depicting significant events in American history.
The Apotheosis of Washington The Apotheosis of Washington Painted in 1865 by Constantino Brumidi, the Apotheosis of Washington depicts George Washington rising to the heavens in glory.

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  • Plan A Visit
  • Exhibitions
  • Education
  • About Congress
  • About The Capitol
  • Calendar
  • Connect
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  • Architect of the Capitol
  • Phone: 202-226-8000
  • Volunteer
  • Brochures
  • International Translations
  • Comments
  • Explore More of the Capitol
  • Privacy
  • Plan A Visit
    • Travel and Guidelines
      • Getting to the Capitol
      • Visitor Hours & Info
      • Accessibility Services
      • Capitol Etiquette
      • Prohibited Items
      • Emergency Evacuation Information
    • What To Do
      • Book a Tour
        • Book a tour through the office of your Representative
        • Book a tour through the offices of your Senators
        • Book a Tour Yourself Online
        • How to Modify or Cancel Your Reservation
      • Suggested Itineraries
      • Explore More of the Capitol
      • Watching Congress In Session
      • Where to Eat
      • Where to Shop
    • Maps and Tips
      • Frequently Asked Questions
      • U.S. Capitol Map
      • Capitol Visitor Center Indoor Map
      • Tips for Visiting the Capitol
      • Orientation Video
    • Print Materials
      • Brochures
      • International Translations
  • Exhibitions
    • Temporary Exhibits
      • Legislative Highlights
      • View By Theme
        • Congress and the Judicial Branch: Jurisdiction
        • Congress and the Judicial Branch: Composition
        • Congress and the Judicial Branch: Negotiation
        • Congress and the Executive Branch: Nominations and Appointments
        • Congress and the Executive Branch: Balancing Power
        • Congress and the Executive Branch: Investigations
    • Timeline of Congress and the Capitol
      • Prologue
      • 1789 - 1815
      • 1815 - 1851
      • 1851 - 1877
      • 1877 - 1913
      • 1913 - 1945
      • 1945 - Present
      • Epilogue
    • Additional Resources
      • Take the Capitol Challenge
      • The Capitol Story
        • Statue of Freedom
        • The British Burn the Capitol, August 24, 1814
        • The Capitol Dome
        • The Frieze of American History
        • The Apotheosis of Washington
  • Education
    • Students
      • Student Orientation Video
      • Resources & Activities
      • National History Day (NHD)
    • Teachers
      • Student Programs
      • Lesson Plans
      • Professional Enrichment
      • Student Orientation Video
      • Resources & Activities
    • Families
      • Pocket Journal
      • Special Programs and Encounters
      • Student Orientation Video
      • Resources & Activities
  • About Congress
    • What Congress Does
    • Two Bodies, One Branch
    • Making Laws
    • The U.S. House of Representatives
    • The U.S. Senate
  • About The Capitol
    • Evolution of the Capitol
    • About the Capitol Visitor Center
    • The Architect of the Capitol
    • Careers
  • Calendar
  • Connect
    • Questions & Comments
    • Social Media
    • Volunteer
    • Visitor Survey
    • Website Survey
    • YouTube Videos
    • Apps
  • Subscribe