The painting by William Russell Birch, 1755-1834, shows the north wing of the capitol in circa, 1800. The selection of the site of today's capitol came from a compromise between the Federalist and Republican parties in 1790. The Federalists, led by Alexander Hamilton, agreed to George Washington's preference for the site and the Republicans, led by Thomas Jefferson, agreed that the national government would pay the state debts incurred during the war of Independence.

In July 1790, the U.S. Congress, in the Residence Act of 1790, authorized the selection of a site "not exceeding 10 miles square" somewhere in the Potomac River region to serve as the permanent seat of the United States government. In the interim, The Congress would move from New York to Philadelphia which would serve for a decade as the nation's capitol. On December 12, 1800, Washington, D.C., officially became the nation's capitol. John and Abigail Adams were the first presidential family to reside in the city.

The census of 1800 reports that there where 14,093 people included in the population of three places within the district: Washington (3,210), Georgetown (2,993) and Alexandria (4,971)

After laying the cornerstone in 1793, two architects in succession were dismissed. James Hoban, winner of the competition for the President's House, was placed in charge and saw to the completion of the north wing for the first session of Congress on November 17, 1800. In 1803, construction resumed under Benjamin Henry Latrobe who completed the south and north wings. By 1813, Latrobe, with his job done, departed with the wings connected by a temporary wooden passageway.

On August 24, 1814, British troops set fire to the building during the War of 1812. A rainstorm prevented its complete destruction and Latrobe returned to Washington in 1815 to make repairs.

Medium : 1 drawing : watercolor

Created/Published : circa, 1800

Creator : William Russell Birch, 1755-1834

Frame : Antique Gold w/Spidering, double matted : Size 20 1/2 X 17

Housed in the Prints & Photographs Division of the Library of Congress

Price: $120.00

Availability: Usually ships in one to two weeks

Product #: FR0040