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The U.S. Capitol Building The U.S.

Capitol Building is one of the most symbolically significant an d architecturally remarkable buildings in the nation. It is noted for being the meeting chambers of the House Of Representatives and the Senate for two centur ies. This historical building has been through many constructional phases, and n ow stands as a national monument to not only to the American government, but to its people also. The Capitols first cornerstone was laid by President Washington September 18, 1793. Its architectural design was created by Dr. William Thornton, a Scotti sh-trained physician in the British West Indies. Thornton submitted his plans to the Secretary of State, Thomas Jefferson, and the President of the U.S., George Washington, who were running a contest to see which citizen could produce an aw ard winning plan for the Capitol. Although Thorntons plans were late, Jefferson a nd Washington accepted it because the other contest entries were considered medi ocre. On August 24, 1814, during the War of 1812, British troops set fire to t he historical landmark, causing fatal damage. However, a rainstorm prevented it from completely destroying. Benjamin Henry Latrobe, who completed the north and south wing of the Capitol, took advantage of this incident to make improvements to its interior. However, due to construction delays and exceedingly high costs, Latrobe resigned his position, leaving the fate of the Capitol building in Cong resss hands . Again, another contest was held, but this time, bestowing five arch itects the award money, and Thomas U. Walter with the honor of completing the ta sk. The Capitol has also been repaired during the Civil Was, which Lincoln b elieved was crucial to the Nation. Today, the Capitol covers a total ground area of 175,170 square feet, an d has a floor area of approximately 16.5 acres. It stands at the East Front of F irst Street and East Capitol Street., where people can a taste of their history, and make memories of their own.

The U.S. Supreme Court Although the Supreme Court held its first session on February 1, 1790, it took t he court 145 years to find a stable residence. It wasnt until the 1920s to 1930s, that former President William Howard Taft was able to persuade Congress to let t he Court settle down at this residence. During these years, the court lived a no madic subsistence, meeting in court rooms around the country when necessary. One of Supreme Courts many features is a sculpture group by Herman A. McN eil, which is located above the east entrance, represents great lawgivers, Moses , Confucius, and Solon. This group is meant to represent the symbolic idea of M eans of Enforcing the Law, Tempering Justice with Mercy, Carrying on Civilizatio n, and Settling Disputes Between States. Tomb Of The Unknown Soldier In the depths of the Arlington Cemetery in Arlington Virginia, lies the Tomb Of The Unknowns, also known as the tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Resources The U.S. Capitol Building http://law.copyrightdata.com/cptol.jpg http://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/wash/dc76.htm The U.S. Supreme Court http://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/wash/dc78.htm http://www.laapush.org/environmentalspectrum_files/images/supreme_court_building .JPG

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