Delve deeper into the stories behind the people, art, history and grounds.

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America the Beautiful poem written on a wall in the Cox Corridors of the U.S. Capitol.

History & Discoveries

Capitol Lyrics: "America the Beautiful"

The lyrics of this patriotic song are found easily at the U.S. Capitol.
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History & Discoveries

Artfully Yours, John Adams

By sarah davis | October 30, 2018

Similar to many other Founding Fathers, John Adams appears in several pieces of art throughout the United States Capitol. He played a large role in the Declaration of Independence, and art involving the signing of this document is where he can be found the most.

History & Discoveries

Profile in History: Job W. Angus

By franklin bradley | June 28, 2018

A profile story on Job W. Angus, who built multiple structures for ceremonies held for Abraham Lincoln's time as president in Washington, D.C. from his inauguration ballroom to the catafalque for his Lying in State.

History & Discoveries

By the Numbers: Capitol Visitor Center

By laura trivers | June 21, 2018

The Capitol Visitor Center serves as the main entrance for visitors to the U.S. Capitol. It is a facility rich with informational exhibits, two gift shops, a cafe and two orientation theaters. Find out more about the age of the facility, its hours and the number of people who have entered.

History & Discoveries

Calm and Collected Waters

By sarah davis | June 20, 2018

Fountains and formal pools of water abound on the U.S. Capitol campus in Washington, D.C. These small areas of urban "blue space" may provide other benefits though, including mental tranquility and increased creativity. Here is a collection of seven water features that inspire.

History & Discoveries

The $28,000,000 Question

By michele cohen | April 17, 2018

Solving the mystery of numbers inscribed on a block of the Senate pediment.

History & Discoveries

Bold Legacies Endure

By franklin bradley | March 30, 2018

A story highlighting two women artists of the National Statuary Hall Collection as we celebrate Women's History Month. Sculptors Joy Flinsch Buba and Anne Whitney both have works of art on display in the U.S. Capitol with the Florence Sabin statue and the Samuel Adams statue, respectively.

History & Discoveries

Then & Now: Capitol Building Superintendent's Office

By erin nelson | March 27, 2018

Take a look back at the U.S. Capitol's baking operations during the Civil War. When Congress was not in session, the House and Senate Chambers were used to house troops, the Rotunda became a makeshift hospital and bakeries were created in the basement and terraces in the center of the building.

History & Discoveries

Congress' Role in Time

By matt ericson | March 21, 2018

Why change our clocks twice a year, spring forward and fall back? The idea of saving the daylight goes back centuries. The Capitol Visitor Center hosted a workshop to think about these issues and learn about Congress' role in time including the Standard Time Act of 1918 and the Uniform Time Act.

History & Discoveries

Symbolism Roars to Life on Capitol Hill

By marty shore | March 6, 2018

Imagery of the lion is well-represented in the art and architectural details of the U.S. Capitol campus in Washington, D.C. Historically, lions were used in architectural ornamentation to provide a sense of strength, majesty and awe, especially on public buildings.

History & Discoveries

Ten Memorable Moments of 2017

By sarah davis | December 20, 2017

Before we dive into 2018, here's a look back at some of this year's highlights.

History & Discoveries

Plenty to Be Thankful For

By sarah davis | November 20, 2017

The cornucopia, a traditional symbol of the Thanksgiving holiday, appears in a variety of places in the U.S. Capitol including the Rotunda and Brumidi Corridors.

History & Discoveries

Who or What Goes There?

By erin courtney | October 31, 2017

On Friday, October 13, Architect of the Capitol employees set out to look into a new Capitol Building mystery involving delicate pink fabric with hand-stitching. Construction sites often yield historic artifacts, including bottles, newspapers and tools, but this find is new for the agency.

History & Discoveries

Renovated Bartholdi Park is a SITE(S) to Behold

By devin dotson | October 25, 2017

An in-depth summary of a recent renovation at the U.S. Botanic Garden's Bartholdi Park to increase accessibility and incorporate areas of sustainable landscaping including hydrology, vegetation, soil, materials and human health. The park is poised to welcome visitors from around the globe.

History & Discoveries

Then & Now: O'Neill House Office Building

By erin nelson | October 18, 2017

A brief history of the O'Neill House Office Building. Originally known as Federal Office Building No. 8, and once home of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the U.S. House of Representatives voted to name the building after the late former Speaker of the House Thomas P. "Tip" O'Neill in 2012.