CELEBRATING THE BICENTENNIAL OF THE NATION'S CAPITAL |
1 United States Capitol Washington, DC 20515 http://www.aoc.gov |
A View of the Capitol from the Reflecting Pool |
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The United States Capitol remains one of the most popular tourist attractions in Washington. Yet many people may not know that the original architectural drawings of the Capitol were designed by a physician. A graduate of the University of Edinburgh, William Thornton (1759-1828), was practicing in Tortola, British West Indies, when he submitted his plan for the competition in 1793. President George Washington selected Thornton's plan for its "grandeur, simplicity and convenience." Dr. Thornton has the distinction of being the first Architect of the Capitol. Inside the Capitol building, several statues are of particular interest to the health professions. The National Statuary Hall Collection dates back to 1864, when states were invited to provide two statues each of individuals who brought distinction to their home states. Of the 96 individuals honored in the Statuary Hall and adjacent corridors of the Capitol, the following are of special interest:
During the Civil War, the Capitol was used as a fort, barracks, bakery (producing 60,000 loaves a day), and hospital. Two thousand cots were were set up in the House and Senate chambers, and the Rotunda. The first group of wounded arrived from the Second Battle of Bull Run and later from Antietam in September 1862. For additional information about Dr. William Thornton and his architectural plan, and other individuals honored in the Statuary Hall, see the Web site sponsored by the office of the Architect of the Capitol. (See under Capitol Complex/Works of Art.) See: #1 on Downtown Map. Nearest Metro Station: 'Capitol South' on Blue and Orange Lines. |
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