Capitol Hill French architect Pierre L'Enfant called Capitol Hill a "pedestal waiting for a monument." Capitol Hill -- formerly known as Jenkins Hill -- rises 88 feet above the nearby Potomac River, and was the spot chosen by L'Enfant for the new U.S. Capitol. Now, Capitol Hill (or just, the Hill) is the term used for the entire complex of buildings that house and serve Congress, as well as for the neighborhood of shops and homes within sight of the Capitol. New Mexicans might want to see: New Mexico State University Centennial Tree small park north of the Russell Senate Office Building To celebrate the centennial of the founding of New Mexico State University, NMSU representatives planted this southwestern white pine (Pinus Strobifornis Engelm) on the Senate grounds on May 12, 1998. The seed that sprouted the tree was taken from the Sacramento Mountains and grown at NMSU's Mora Research facility in Mora. In a ceremony attended by the New Mexico Congressional Delegation and representatives from NMSU, former NMSU President Dr. James Halligan planted the tree along with John Mexal, Professor of Agrononomy and Horticulture. The tree continues to thrive today. New Mexico Congressional Delegation Offices: Senate Jeff Bingaman / Pete V. Domenici 703 Hart Building / 328 Hart Building (202) 224-5521 / (202) 224-6621 House Of Representatives Heather Wilson (1st Congressional District) 226 Cannon Building (202) 225-6316 Steve Pearce (2nd Congressional District) 1408 Longworth Building (202) 225-2365 Tom Udall (3rd Congressional District) 502 Cannon Building (202) 225-6190 The New Mexico State Flag New Mexicans visiting Capitol Hill should watch for our state flag. It pops up in some interesting places. As you walk from Union Station, the flag is located on Columbus Circle. Also, as you walk along (or ride through) the underground walkway, there is a New Mexico flag and state seal above the walkway. |