The+Capitol

History: The construction of the capitol began in 1793, and for over a century it was the only building created for the use of the nation's legislature. In fact, the Capitol initially housed not only the Congress but also the Library of Congress, the Supreme Court, the district courts, and other offices. In the following decades the nation grew dramatically, and as a result, so did the Congress. The Capitol and its grounds were enlarged accordingly, and by 1892 the building had reached essentially its present size and appearance (with the exception of the east front extension and courtyard infill areas ).

Characteristics:

Washingon selected three Commissioners to survey the site and oversee the design and construction of the capital city and its government buildings. The Commissioners, in turn, hired the French engineer Pierre Charles L'Enfant to plan the new city of Washington. He located the Capitol at the elevated east end of the Mall, on the brow of what was then called Jenkins' Hill. The site was, in L'Enfant's words, "a pedestal waiting for a monument."

Renovations: the capitol´s new dome was replaced with one that has stronger materials, and the architect changed it also, because it over powered the portions of the colums of the east portico. it was also extended with 33.5 feet the east portico. Ornaments and other arts from the inside were also modified.

Floor Plan: Illustrations Links: www.wikipedia.org/wiki/united_states_capitol luisa mendez, arianne quiles, mafer ximenez