Washington's Farewell Address, 1796

In his farewell address at the end of his second term as president, George Washington urged America, "Observe good faith and justice toward all nations. Cultivate peace and harmony with all." He is depicted here at his desk with Alexander Hamilton, who helped him write the address. 

Left: The sawyer symbolizes Americans' increasing use of the land's natural resources.

Right: Sailing ships represent the importance of commerce with other nations.

About the Cox Corridors Murals

The first floor of the U.S. Capitol's House wing is elaborately decorated with wall and ceiling murals by artist Allyn Cox. The central east-west corridor is referred to as the Great Experiment Hall because it chronicles in 16 murals the legislative milestones of three centuries, from the signing of the Mayflower Compact in 1629 to the enactment of women's suffrage in 1920.