BGuthrie Photos: DC -- U.S. Capitol Grounds -- Signs

DC -- U.S. Capitol Grounds -- Signs:

Bruce Guthrie Photos Home Page: [Click here] to go to Bruce Guthrie Photos home page.

Recognize anyone? If you recognize specific folks (or other stuff) and I haven't labeled them, please identify them for the world. Click the little pencil icon

underneath the file name (just above the picture). Spammers need not apply.

Copyrights: All pictures were taken by amateur photographer Bruce Guthrie (me!) who retains copyright on them. Free for non-commercial use with attribution. See the [Creative Commons] definition of what this means. "Photos (c) Bruce Guthrie" is fine for attribution. (Commercial use folks including AI scrapers can of course contact me.) Feel free to use in publications and pages with attribution but you don't have permission to sell the photos themselves. A free copy of any printed publication using any photographs is requested. Descriptive text, if any, is from a mixture of sources, quite frequently from signs at the location or from official web sites; copyrights, if any, are retained by their original owners.

Accessing as Spider: The system has identified your IP as being a spider.
IP Address: 18.221.165.246 -- Domain: Amazon Technologies
I love well-behaved spiders! They are, in fact, how most people find my site. Unfortunately, my network has a limited bandwidth and pictures take up bandwidth. Spiders ask for lots and lots of pages and chew up lots and lots of bandwidth which slows things down considerably for regular folk. To counter this, you'll see all the text on the page but the images are being suppressed. Also, some system options like merges are being blocked for you.
Note: Permission is NOT granted for spiders, robots, etc to use the site for AI-generation purposes. I'm sure you're thrilled by your ability to make revenue from my work but there's nothing in that for my human users or for me.
If you are in fact human, please email me at guthrie.bruce@gmail.com and I can check if your designation was made in error. Given your number of hits, that's unlikely but what the hell.

Help? The Medium (Email) links are for screen viewing and emailing. You'll want bigger sizes for printing. [Click here for additional help]

Share: Facebook Twitter Digg
[1] CAPSGN_170107_02.JPG	[2] CAPSGN_170107_06.JPG	[3] CAPSGN_170107_08.JPG
[4] CAPSGN_170209_01.JPG	[5] CAPSGN_170209_06.JPG	[6] CAPSGN_170209_08.JPG
[7] CAPSGN_170209_11.JPG	[8] CAPSGN_170209_15.JPG	[9] CAPSGN_170209_18.JPG
[10] CAPSGN_170215_01.JPG	[11] CAPSGN_170215_06.JPG	[12] CAPSGN_170215_09.JPG
[13] CAPSGN_170215_14.JPG	[14] CAPSGN_170408_03.JPG	[15] CAPSGN_170408_06.JPG
[16] CAPSGN_170408_08.JPG	[17] CAPSGN_170408_11.JPG	[18] CAPSGN_170408_20.JPG
[19] CAPSGN_170408_22.JPG	[20] CAPSGN_170408_26.JPG	[21] CAPSGN_170408_29.JPG
[22] CAPSGN_170408_31.JPG	[23] CAPSGN_170408_34.JPG	[24] CAPSGN_170408_39.JPG
[25] CAPSGN_171120_01.JPG	[26] CAPSGN_171120_05.JPG	[27] CAPSGN_171120_09.JPG
[28] CAPSGN_171120_11.JPG	[29] CAPSGN_171120_15.JPG	[30] CAPSGN_171120_18.JPG
[31] CAPSGN_171120_21.JPG	[32] CAPSGN_171120_24.JPG

Specific picture descriptions: Photos above with "i" icons next to the bracketed sequence numbers (e.g. "[1] ") are described as follows:
1. CAPSGN_170107_02.JPG: Capitol Square Historical Information 1 Summerhouse Constructed in 1879-1880 , the Summerhouse offers visitors a shaded place to rest, admire views of the Capitol, and have a drink of water. Olmstead's principal architectural assistant Thomas Wisedell, was the designer. The Summerhouse is a tribute to the bricklayer's craft-constructed of carved and radial brick, creating elaborate architectural features. Nestled in the hillside, the structure features a "grotto" with running water that, along with the central fountains, adds a cooling effect during the summer. 2 The Olmstead Terrace Constructed between 1884-1892, the marble terrace that surrounds the Capitol on the north, west, and south sides provides a strong visual platform for the building, correcting the illusion that the massive structure was about to slide down the hill. The cascading monumental stairs also add to the apparent height and imposing nature of the building. To accommodate growing Congressional space requirements, the area under the terrace was divided into 93 rooms for offices and meeting spaces. Between the grand stairs, a semi-circular exedra features arranged trees and flowers in an elevated bed surrounding an octagonal fountain. Though Olmsted spearheaded the vision for the terrace, its detailed design was left to architects Thomas Wisedell and Howard Walker to complete. Some controversy ensued as the terrace was detailed in the Romanesque Revival style, which was popular at the time, in contrast with the neo-classical architecture of the building above. The 18 bronze urns atop the balustrade piers were cast by Schultz Co., a foundry in Baltimore, Maryland in 1890. A more highly decorated urn was initially envisioned but the design was not used. A prototype of the more ornate urn is now in use at the front of the Botanic Garden Conservatory along the seven recent cast bronze replicas.
2. CAPSGN_170107_06.JPG: 1 Summerhouse Constructed in 1879-1880, the Summerhouse offers visitors a shaded place to rest, admire views of the Capitol, and have a drink of water. Olmstead's principal architectural assistant Thomas Wisedell, was the designer. The Summerhouse is a tribute to the bricklayer's craft-constructed of carved and radial brick, creating elaborate architectural features. Nestled in the hillside, the structure features a "grotto" with running water that, along with the central fountains, adds a cooling effect during the summer.
3. CAPSGN_170107_08.JPG: 2 The Olmstead Terrace Constructed between 1884-1892, the marble terrace that surrounds the Capitol on the north, west, and south sides provides a strong visual platform for the building, correcting the illusion that the massive structure was about to slide down the hill. The cascading monumental stairs also add to the apparent height and imposing nature of the building. To accommodate growing Congressional space requirements, the area under the terrace was divided into 93 rooms for offices and meeting spaces. Between the grand stairs, a semi-circular exedra features arranged trees and flowers in an elevated bed surrounding an octagonal fountain. Though Olmsted spearheaded the vision for the terrace, its detailed design was left to architects Thomas Wisedell and Howard Walker to complete. Some controversy ensued as the terrace was detailed in the Romanesque Revival style, which was popular at the time, in contrast with the neo-classical architecture of the building above. The 18 bronze urns atop the balustrade piers were cast by Schultz Co., a foundry in Baltimore, Maryland in 1890. A more highly decorated urn was initially envisioned but the design was not used. A prototype of the more ornate urn is now in use at the front of the Botanic Garden Conservatory along the seven recent cast bronze replicas.
4. CAPSGN_170209_01.JPG: United States Capitol East Front One of the icons of world architecture, the U.S. Capitol has been the meeting place of Congress since 1800. President George Washington laid the cornerstone on September 18, 1793. While under construction, the the building was damaged by British troops during the War of 1812 and subsequently restored. The Capitol was enlarged and the present cast-iron dome built in the 1850s and 1860s. Further additions included the Olmsted terraces on the west front in the 1880s and the east front extension in the 1950s. The most recent addition is the underground Capitol Visitor Center. 1. Statue of Freedom. The 19 1/2-foot-tall bronze statue, sculpted by Thomas Crawford in Rome and cast by Clark Foundry in the District of Columbia, was placed on its cast-iron pedestal in 1863. The classical figure wears a helmet with an eagle head and feathers and holds a sheathed sword, shield and victory wreath. The statue was restored in 1993. 2. House Pediment. The Apotheosis of Democracy by Paul Weyland Bartlett was installed in 1916. The central group is Peace Protecting Genius. On the left is a group called The Power of Labor: Agriculture, and on the right is a entitled The Power of Labor: Industry. 3. Center Pediment. Genius of America was originally carved in sandstone by Luigi Persico in 1828. When the East Front was expanded in 1958-1962, the badly deteriorated figures were replaced by replicas carved in marble. America, at the center holds a shield. She points to Justice, holding scales and a scroll marked "Constitution, 17 September 1787." To the right is the figure of Hope with an anchor. 4. Senate Pediment. The Progress of Civilization by Thomas Crawford was installed in 1863. A figure representing America stands in the center with an eagle by her side. To her left are figures representing America's early days, including a hunter and American Indians. The group on her right, including a soldier, a merchant, a teacher, and a student, represents the march of civilization.
5. CAPSGN_170209_06.JPG: One of the icons of world architecture, the U.S. Capitol has been the meeting place of Congress since 1800. President George Washington laid the cornerstone on September 18, 1793. While under construction, the the building was damaged by British troops during the War of 1812 and subsequently restored. The Capitol was enlarged and the present cast-iron dome built in the 1850s and 1860s. Further additions included the Olmsted terraces on the west front in the 1880s and the east front extension in the 1950s. The most recent addition is the underground Capitol Visitor Center. 1. Statue of Freedom. The 19 1/2-foot-tall bronze statue, sculpted by Thomas Crawford in Rome and cast by Clark Foundry in the District of Columbia, was placed on its cast-iron pedestal in 1863. The classical figure wears a helmet with an eagle head and feathers and holds a sheathed sword, shield and victory wreath. The statue was restored in 1993. 2. House Pediment. The Apotheosis of Democracy by Paul Weyland Bartlett was installed in 1916. The central group is Peace Protecting Genius. On the left is a group called The Power of Labor: Agriculture, and on the right is a entitled The Power of Labor: Industry.
6. CAPSGN_170209_08.JPG: 2. House Pediment. The Apotheosis of Democracy by Paul Weyland Bartlett was installed in 1916. The central group is Peace Protecting Genius. On the left is a group called The Power of Labor: Agriculture, and on the right is a entitled The Power of Labor: Industry. 3. Center Pediment. Genius of America was originally carved in sandstone by Luigi Persico in 1828. When the East Front was expanded in 1958-1962, the badly deteriorated figures were replaced by replicas carved in marble. America, at the center holds a shield. She points to Justice, holding scales and a scroll marked "Constitution, 17 September 1787." To the right is the figure of Hope with an anchor. 4. Senate Pediment. The Progress of Civilization by Thomas Crawford was installed in 1863. A figure representing America stands in the center with an eagle by her side. To her left are figures representing America's early days, including a hunter and American Indians. The group on her right, including a soldier, a merchant, a teacher, and a student, represents the march of civilization.
7. CAPSGN_170209_11.JPG: United States Capitol Grounds General Plan for the Improvement of the U.S. Capitol Grounds by Frederick Law Olmsted, 1874 Following the extension of the Capitol in the 1850s-1860s, the grounds were enlarged in 1872. In 1874 Congress commissioned Frederick Law Olmsted to design landscape improvements, and he soon produced this drawing which guided the project over the next two decades. He described the plan as "very simple, with the purpose of its perfect subordination in interest to the architectural design of the Capitol." Olmsted's objective was to provide a dignified "park-like" setting for the Capitol, with groupings of trees and expansive vistas designed to set the Capitol square apart, as an oasis from the surrounding, developing city. Today the grounds have evolved into an arboretum with hundreds of mature botanical specimens - many of which are rarely seen elsewhere. 1. Granite Lamp Piers & Bronze Fountains Bay of Fundy Granite was used for the massive piers that Olmsted designed to hold bronze, gas-burning light fixtures. Electric sparks from copper wires and a remote battery originally ignited the lamps. The piers were constructed in 1875. Olmsted also designed the large granite basins, within which bronze fountains created rainbows by fine water sprays; the effect was continued at night under gas lights. The bronze was cast in 1875 by Janes, Kirkland, and Company of New York, the same firm that cast most of the ironwork for the Capitol dome. The lamps, piers, fountains and basins were restored during the Capitol Visitor Center construction project. 2. The Olmsted Terrace Constructed in 1884-1892 on the north, west and south sides of the Capitol the marble terrace provided a strong visual platform, correcting the illusion that the massive building was about to slide down Capitol Hill. It also added much needed-space for storage, shops, and committee rooms. 3. Summerhouse Constructed in 1879-1889, the Summerhouse offered visitors a shaded place to rest, admire views of the Capitol, and have a drink of water. Olmsted's principal architectural assistant, Thomas Wisedell, was the designer. The Summerhouse is a tribute to the bricklayer's craft - constructed of carved and radial brick, creating elaborate architectural features. Nestled in the hillside, the structure features a "grotto" with running water that, along with the central fountains, adds a cooling affect during the summer.
8. CAPSGN_170209_15.JPG: General Plan for the Improvement of the U.S. Capitol Grounds by Frederick Law Olmsted, 1874 Following the extension of the Capitol in the 1850s-1860s, the grounds were enlarged in 1872. In 1874 Congress commissioned Frederick Law Olmsted to design landscape improvements, and he soon produced this drawing which guided the project over the next two decades. He described the plan as "very simple, with the purpose of its perfect subordination in interest to the architectural design of the Capitol." Olmsted's objective was to provide a dignified "park-like" setting for the Capitol, with groupings of trees and expansive vistas designed to set the Capitol square apart, as an oasis from the surrounding, developing city. Today the grounds have evolved into an arboretum with hundreds of mature botanical specimens - many of which are rarely seen elsewhere.
9. CAPSGN_170209_18.JPG: 1. Granite Lamp Piers & Bronze Fountains Bay of Fundy Granite was used for the massive piers that Olmsted designed to hold bronze, gas-burning light fixtures. Electric sparks from copper wires and a remote battery originally ignited the lamps. The piers were constructed in 1875. Olmsted also designed the large granite basins, within which bronze fountains created rainbows by fine water sprays; the effect was continued at night under gas lights. The bronze was cast in 1875 by Janes, Kirkland, and Company of New York, the same firm that cast most of the ironwork for the Capitol dome. The lamps, piers, fountains and basins were restored during the Capitol Visitor Center construction project. 2. The Olmsted Terrace Constructed in 1884-1892 on the north, west and south sides of the Capitol the marble terrace provided a strong visual platform, correcting the illusion that the massive building was about to slide down Capitol Hill. It also added much needed-space for storage, shops, and committee rooms. 3. Summerhouse Constructed in 1879-1889, the Summerhouse offered visitors a shaded place to rest, admire views of the Capitol, and have a drink of water. Olmsted's principal architectural assistant, Thomas Wisedell, was the designer. The Summerhouse is a tribute to the bricklayer's craft - constructed of carved and radial brick, creating elaborate architectural features. Nestled in the hillside, the structure features a "grotto" with running water that, along with the central fountains, adds a cooling affect during the summer.
10. CAPSGN_170215_01.JPG: The Capitol Dome Design and Construction * Restoration * Inspiration Design and Construction: In 1793, President George Washington selected the design for the U.S. Capitol Building (pictured far left). Dr. William Thornton submitted the plan, modeled after the Roman Pantheon. In the 1850s the Capitol underwent an expansion that added the north and south wings. To match the building's increased size, Architect of the Capitol Thomas U. Walter proposed a new Dome (pictured left). Walter's design used cast iron, making the Dome lighter and less costly than if it were built with stone. Congress authorized construction in 1855, and work continued during the Civil War. Workers installed the Statue of Freedom atop the Capitol Dome on December 2, 1865. Restoration: The Capitol Dome has suffered from the effects of weather and age. More than 1,000 cracks have developed in its cast iron, needing repair (pictured far right). The last major restoration took place in 1959-1960 (pictured right). Significant repairs of the Dome's exterior began in November 2013, to stop deterioration and preserve the Dome for future generations. This multi-year effort includes restoring historic cast-iron elements, weatherproofing the exterior, replacing broken windows, and removing hazardous materials. The work requires extensive scaffolding outside the dome and a safety net suspended inside the Rotunda. For more project information, visit aoc.gov/dome Inspiration: The bronze Statue of Freedom stands as the crowning feature of the Capitol Dome. Thomas Crawford designed and sculpted the statue in Rome, and Clark Mills' foundry cast it in bronze in Washington, DC. The classical female figure wears a headdress with an eagle head and feathers and holds a sheathed sword, the striped shield of the United States, and a wreath of victory. Today, the Statue of Freedom and the Capitol Dome are recognized symbols of American democracy known around the world.
11. CAPSGN_170215_06.JPG: The Capitol Dome Design and Construction * Restoration * Inspiration Design and Construction: In 1793, President George Washington selected the design for the U.S. Capitol Building (pictured far left). Dr. William Thornton submitted the plan, modeled after the Roman Pantheon. In the 1850s the Capitol underwent an expansion that added the north and south wings. To match the building's increased size, Architect of the Capitol Thomas U. Walter proposed a new Dome (pictured left). Walter's design used cast iron, making the Dome lighter and less costly than if it were built with stone. Congress authorized construction in 1855, and work continued during the Civil War. Workers installed the Statue of Freedom atop the Capitol Dome on December 2, 1865.
12. CAPSGN_170215_09.JPG: Restoration: The Capitol Dome has suffered from the effects of weather and age. More than 1,000 cracks have developed in its cast iron, needing repair (pictured far right). The last major restoration took place in 1959-1960 (pictured right). Significant repairs of the Dome's exterior began in November 2013, to stop deterioration and preserve the Dome for future generations. This multi-year effort includes restoring historic cast-iron elements, weatherproofing the exterior, replacing broken windows, and removing hazardous materials. The work requires extensive scaffolding outside the dome and a safety net suspended inside the Rotunda. For more project information, visit aoc.gov/dome
13. CAPSGN_170215_14.JPG: Inspiration: The bronze Statue of Freedom stands as the crowning feature of the Capitol Dome. Thomas Crawford designed and sculpted the statue in Rome, and Clark Mills' foundry cast it in bronze in Washington, DC. The classical female figure wears a headdress with an eagle head and feathers and holds a sheathed sword, the striped shield of the United States, and a wreath of victory. Today, the Statue of Freedom and the Capitol Dome are recognized symbols of American democracy known around the world.
14. CAPSGN_170408_03.JPG: Capitol Square Historical Information 1 Summerhouse Constructed in 1879-1880 , the Summerhouse offers visitors a shaded place to rest, admire views of the Capitol, and have a drink of water. Olmstead's principal architectural assistant Thomas Wisedell, was the designer. The Summerhouse is a tribute to the bricklayer's craft-constructed of carved and radial brick, creating elaborate architectural features. Nestled in the hillside, the structure features a "grotto" with running water that, along with the central fountains, adds a cooling effect during the summer. 2 The Olmstead Terrace Constructed between 1884-1892, the marble terrace that surrounds the Capitol on the north, west, and south sides provides a strong visual platform for the building, correcting the illusion that the massive structure was about to slide down the hill. The cascading monumental stairs also add to the apparent height and imposing nature of the building. To accommodate growing Congressional space requirements, the area under the terrace was divided into 93 rooms for offices and meeting spaces. Between the grand stairs, a semi-circular exedra features arranged trees and flowers in an elevated bed surrounding an octagonal fountain. Though Olmsted spearheaded the vision for the terrace, its detailed design was left to architects Thomas Wisedell and Howard Walker to complete. Some controversy ensued as the terrace was detailed in the Romanesque Revival style, which was popular at the time, in contrast with the neo-classical architecture of the building above. The 18 bronze urns atop the balustrade piers were cast by Schultz Co., a foundry in Baltimore, Maryland in 1890. A more highly decorated urn was initially envisioned but the design was not used. A prototype of the more ornate urn is now in use at the front of the Botanic Garden Conservatory along the seven recent cast bronze replicas.
15. CAPSGN_170408_06.JPG: 1 Summerhouse Constructed in 1879-1880, the Summerhouse offers visitors a shaded place to rest, admire views of the Capitol, and have a drink of water. Olmstead's principal architectural assistant Thomas Wisedell, was the designer. The Summerhouse is a tribute to the bricklayer's craft-constructed of carved and radial brick, creating elaborate architectural features. Nestled in the hillside, the structure features a "grotto" with running water that, along with the central fountains, adds a cooling effect during the summer.
16. CAPSGN_170408_08.JPG: 2 The Olmstead Terrace Constructed between 1884-1892, the marble terrace that surrounds the Capitol on the north, west, and south sides provides a strong visual platform for the building, correcting the illusion that the massive structure was about to slide down the hill. The cascading monumental stairs also add to the apparent height and imposing nature of the building. To accommodate growing Congressional space requirements, the area under the terrace was divided into 93 rooms for offices and meeting spaces. Between the grand stairs, a semi-circular exedra features arranged trees and flowers in an elevated bed surrounding an octagonal fountain. Though Olmsted spearheaded the vision for the terrace, its detailed design was left to architects Thomas Wisedell and Romanesque Revival style, which was popular at the time, in contrast with the neo-classical architecture of the building above. The 18 bronze urns atop the balustrade piers were cast by Schultz Co., a foundry in Baltimore, Maryland in 1890. A more highly decorated urn was initially envisioned but the design was not used. A prototype of the more ornate urn is now in use at the front of the Botanic Garden Conservatory along the seven recent cast bronze replicas.
17. CAPSGN_170408_11.JPG: Photo c 1900
18. CAPSGN_170408_20.JPG: Photo c 1900
19. CAPSGN_170408_26.JPG: Capitol Square Historical Information General Plan for the Improvement of the U.S. Capitol Grounds by Frederick Law Olmsted, 1874 Following the extension of the Capitol in the 1850s-1860s, the grounds were enlarged in 1872. In 1874 Congress commissioned Frederick Law Olmsted to design landscape improvements, and he soon produced this drawing, which guided the project over the next two decades. He described the plan as "very simple, with the purpose of its perfect subordination in interest to the architectural design of the Capitol." Olmsted's objective was to provide a dignified "park-like" setting for the Capitol, with groupings of trees and expansive vistas designed to set the Capitol square apart, as an oasis, from the surrounding, developing city. Today the grounds have evolved into an arboretum with hundreds and mature botanical specimens--many of which are rarely seen elsewhere. 1 First Street Boundary Wall, Fountain, and Lanterns Olmsted did not include boundary walls along the perimeter of the Grounds in his original 1874 landscape design. However in an effort to separate the Capitol's tranquil setting from the bustling city, Olmsted incorporated multicolored stone walls and piers in the construction to define the edge and entrances to the grounds. Piers of pink granite topped with granite topped with bronze lanterns flank the northern and southern carriage entrances, while richly carved sandstone piers flank the sidewalks that extend Maryland and Pennsylvania Avenues to the west terrace. The boundary walls consist of split-face gneiss at the base, a sandstone belt course, and split-face pink granite topped by a carved sandstone cap. The western boundary was started in 1877 and completed in 1822. A bronze drinking fountain and basin housed in an ornately carved sandstone niche serves as the principal ornamental feature on the west boundary wall and is located on the main axis of the Capitol and National Mall. The temple-like structure, completed in 1878, is constructed of carved sandstone, bluestone and granite. The original sandstone columns were replaced with granite columns in 1918. The bronze lanterns that sit atop ornamented piers were originally fueled by gas, which was ignited by electrical sparks from copper wires connected to a remote battery. The gas fuel source was replaced by electricity in the early 1900's. 2 Summerhouse Constructed in 1879-1880, the Summerhouse offered visitors a shaded place to rest, admire views of the Capitol, and have a drink of water. Olmsted's principal assistant, Thomas Wisedell, was the designer. The Summerhouse is a tribute to the bricklayer's craft--constructed of carved and radial brick, creating elaborate architectural features. Nestled in the hillside, the structure features a "grotto" with running water that, along with the central fountains, adds a cooling effect during the summer. 3 The Olmsted Terrace Constructed in 1884-1892 on the north, west, and south sides of the Capitol, the marble terrace provided a strong visual platform, correcting the illusion that the massive building was about to slide down Capitol Hill. It also added much-needed space for storage, shops, and committee rooms.
20. CAPSGN_170408_29.JPG: General Plan for the Improvement of the U.S. Capitol Grounds by Frederick Law Olmsted, 1874 Following the extension of the Capitol in the 1850s-1860s, the grounds were enlarged in 1872. In 1874 Congress commissioned Frederick Law Olmsted to design landscape improvements, and he soon produced this drawing, which guided the project over the next two decades. He described the plan as "very simple, with the purpose of its perfect subordination in interest to the architectural design of the Capitol." Olmsted's objective was to provide a dignified "park-like" setting for the Capitol, with groupings of trees and expansive vistas designed to set the Capitol square apart, as an oasis, from the surrounding, developing city. Today the grounds have evolved into an arboretum with hundreds and mature botanical specimens--many of which are rarely seen elsewhere.
21. CAPSGN_170408_31.JPG: 1 First Street Boundary Wall, Fountain, and Lanterns Olmsted did not include boundary walls along the perimeter of the Grounds in his original 1874 landscape design. However in an effort to separate the Capitol's tranquil setting from the bustling city, Olmsted incorporated multicolored stone walls and piers in the construction to define the edge and entrances to the grounds. Piers of pink granite topped with granite topped with bronze lanterns flank the northern and southern carriage entrances, while richly carved sandstone piers flank the sidewalks that extend Maryland and Pennsylvania Avenues to the west terrace. The boundary walls consist of split-face gneiss at the base, a sandstone belt course, and split-face pink granite topped by a carved sandstone cap. The western boundary was started in 1877 and completed in 1822. A bronze drinking fountain and basin housed in an ornately carved sandstone niche serves as the principal ornamental feature on the west boundary wall and is located on the main axis of the Capitol and National Mall. The temple-like structure, completed in 1878, is constructed of carved sandstone, bluestone and granite. The original sandstone columns were replaced with granite columns in 1918. The bronze lanterns that sit atop ornamented piers were originally fueled by gas, which was ignited by electrical sparks from copper wires connected to a remote battery. The gas fuel source was replaced by electricity in the early 1900's.
22. CAPSGN_170408_34.JPG: 2 Summerhouse Constructed in 1879-1880, the Summerhouse offered visitors a shaded place to rest, admire views of the Capitol, and have a drink of water. Olmsted's principal assistant, Thomas Wisedell, was the designer. The Summerhouse is a tribute to the bricklayer's craft--constructed of carved and radial brick, creating elaborate architectural features. Nestled in the hillside, the structure features a "grotto" with running water that, along with the central fountains, adds a cooling effect during the summer. 3 The Olmsted Terrace Constructed in 1884-1892 on the north, west, and south sides of the Capitol, the marble terrace provided a strong visual platform, correcting the illusion that the massive building was about to slide down Capitol Hill. It also added much-needed space for storage, shops, and committee rooms.
23. CAPSGN_171120_01.JPG: Capitol Square Historical Information General Plan for the Improvement of the U.S. Capitol Grounds by Frederick Law Olmsted, 1874 Following the extension of the Capitol in the 1850s-1860s, the grounds were enlarged in 1872. In 1874 Congress commissioned Frederick Law Olmsted to design landscape improvements, and he soon produced this drawing, which guided the project over the next two decades. He described the plan as "very simple, with the purpose of its perfect subordination in interest to the architectural design of the Capitol." Olmsted's objective was to provide a dignified "park-like" setting for the Capitol, with groupings of trees and expansive vistas designed to set the Capitol square apart, as an oasis, from the surrounding, developing city. Today the grounds have evolved into an arboretum with hundreds and mature botanical specimens--many of which are rarely seen elsewhere. 1 First Street Boundary Wall, Fountain, and Lanterns Olmsted did not include boundary walls along the perimeter of the Grounds in his original 1874 landscape design. However in an effort to separate the Capitol's tranquil setting from the bustling city, Olmsted incorporated multicolored stone walls and piers in the construction to define the edge and entrances to the grounds. Piers of pink granite topped with granite topped with bronze lanterns flank the northern and southern carriage entrances, while richly carved sandstone piers flank the sidewalks that extend Maryland and Pennsylvania Avenues to the west terrace. The boundary walls consist of split-face gneiss at the base, a sandstone belt course, and split-face pink granite topped by a carved sandstone cap. The western boundary was started in 1877 and completed in 1822. A bronze drinking fountain and basin housed in an ornately carved sandstone niche serves as the principal ornamental feature on the west boundary wall and is located on the main axis of the Capitol and National Mall. The temple-like structure, completed in 1878, is constructed of carved sandstone, bluestone and granite. The original sandstone columns were replaced with granite columns in 1918. The bronze lanterns that sit atop ornamented piers were originally fueled by gas, which was ignited by electrical sparks from copper wires connected to a remote battery. The gas fuel source was replaced by electricity in the early 1900's. 2 Summerhouse Constructed in 1879-1880, the Summerhouse offered visitors a shaded place to rest, admire views of the Capitol, and have a drink of water. Olmsted's principal assistant, Thomas Wisedell, was the designer. The Summerhouse is a tribute to the bricklayer's craft--constructed of carved and radial brick, creating elaborate architectural features. Nestled in the hillside, the structure features a "grotto" with running water that, along with the central fountains, adds a cooling effect during the summer. 3 The Olmsted Terrace Constructed in 1884-1892 on the north, west, and south sides of the Capitol, the marble terrace provided a strong visual platform, correcting the illusion that the massive building was about to slide down Capitol Hill. It also added much-needed space for storage, shops, and committee rooms.
24. CAPSGN_171120_05.JPG: General plan for the improvement of the U.S. Capitol Grounds by Frederick Law Olmsted, 1874 Following the extension of the Capitol in 1850s-1860s, the grounds were enlarged in 1872. In 1874 Congress commissioned Frederick Law Olmsted to design landscape improvements, and he soon produced this drawing, which guided the project over the next two decades. He described the plan as "very simple, with the purpose of its perfect subordination in interest to the architectural design of the Capitol." Olmsted's objective was to provide a dignified "park-like" setting for the Capitol, with groupings of trees and expansive vistas designed to set the Capitol square apart, as an oasis, from the surrounding, developing city. Today the grounds have evolved into an arboretum with hundreds of mature botanical specimens -- many of which are rarely seen elsewhere.
25. CAPSGN_171120_09.JPG: 1. First Street Boundary Wall, Fountain, and Lanterns: Olmsted did not include boundary walls along the perimeter of the Grounds in his original 1874 landscape design. However, in an effort to separate the Capitol's tranquil setting from the bustling city, Olmsted incorporated multicolored stone walls and piers in the construction to define the edge and entrances to the grounds. Piers of pink granite topped with bronze lanterns flank the northern and southern carriage entrances, while richly carved sandstone piers flank the sidewalks that extend Maryland and Pennsylvania Avenues to the west terrace. The boundary walls consist of split-face gneiss at the base, a sandstone belt course, and split-face pink granite topped by a carved sandstone cap. The western boundary was started in 1877 and completed in 1882. A bronze drinking fountain and basin housed in an ornately carved sandstone niche serves as the principal ornamental feature on the west boundary wall and is located on the main axis of the Capitol and National Mall. The temple-like structure, completed in 1878, is constructed of carved sandstone, bluestone and granite. The original sandstone columns were replaced with granite columns in 1918. The bronze lanterns that sit atop ornamented piers were originally fueled by gas, which was ignited by electrical sparks from copper wires connected to a remote battery. The gas fuel source was replaced by electricity in the early 1900s.
26. CAPSGN_171120_11.JPG: 2. Summerhouse: Constructed in 1879-1880, the Summerhouse offered visitors a shaded place to rest, admire views of the Capitol, and have a drink of water. Olmsted's principal architectural assistant, Thomas Wisedell, was the designer. The Summerhouse is a tribute to the bricklayer's craft -- constructed of carved and radial brick, creating elaborate architectural features. Nestled in the hillside, the structure features a "grotto" with running water that, along with the central fountains, adds a cooling effect during the summer. 3. The Olmsted Terrace: Constructed in 1884-1892 on the north, west, and south sides of the Capitol, the marble terrace provided a strong visual platform, correcting the illusion that the massive building was about to slide down Capitol Hill. It also added much-needed space for storage, shops, and committee rooms.
27. CAPSGN_171120_15.JPG: Capitol Square, SW Historical Information The Peace Monument By Franklin Simmons, 1878 The Peace Monument, also called the Naval Monument, was erected to commemorate the naval deaths at sea during the Civil War. at the top of the 44-foot monument, Grief, sometimes called America, weeps on the shoulder of History. Below them Victory, with the infant Mars and Neptune at her feet, holds a laurel wreath and an oak branch. Peace, facing the Capitol, holds an olive branch; objective symbolizing civilization are at her feet. The James A. Garfield Monument Sculpture by John Quincy Adams Ward Pedestal by Richard Morris Hunt, 1887 Below the portrait statue of President James A. Garfield, who was assassinated in 1881, are three figures representing different phases of his career. The Student suggests his early work as a teacher The Warrior represents his military career during the Civil War. The Statesman symbolizes Garfield's achievements as Representative, Senator, and President. The Ulysses S. Grant Memorial Sculpture by Henry Merwin Shrady Architecture by Edward Casey, 1920 The Ulysses S. Grant Memorial was completed in 1920 and dedicated in 1924. Forty-four feet high and over 250 feet long, it is the largest statuary group in Washington, and the figure of the Civil War general is among the largest equestrian statues in the world. Groups of cavalry and artillery soldiers and horses stand at the north and south ends. The memorial is under the jurisdiction of the National Park Service.
28. CAPSGN_171120_18.JPG: The Peace Monument By Franklin Simmons, 1878 The Peace Monument, also called the Naval Monument, was erected to commemorate the naval deaths at sea during the Civil War. at the top of the 44-foot monument, Grief, sometimes called America, weeps on the shoulder of History. Below them Victory, with the infant Mars and Neptune at her feet, holds a laurel wreath and an oak branch. Peace, facing the Capitol, holds an olive branch; objective symbolizing civilization are at her feet.
29. CAPSGN_171120_21.JPG: The James A. Garfield Monument Sculpture by John Quincy Adams Ward Pedestal by Richard Morris Hunt, 1887 Below the portrait statue of President James A. Garfield, who was assassinated in 1881, are three figures representing different phases of his career. The Student suggests his early work as a teacher The Warrior represents his military career during the Civil War. The Statesman symbolizes Garfield's achievements as Representative, Senator, and President.
30. CAPSGN_171120_24.JPG: The Ulysses S. Grant Memorial Sculpture by Henry Merwin Shrady Architecture by Edward Casey, 1920 The Ulysses S. Grant Memorial was completed in 1920 and dedicated in 1924. Forty-four feet high and over 250 feet long, it is the largest statuary group in Washington, and the figure of the Civil War general is among the largest equestrian statues in the world. Groups of cavalry and artillery soldiers and horses stand at the north and south ends. The memorial is under the jurisdiction of the National Park Service.
AAA "Gem": AAA considers this location to be a "must see" point of interest. To see pictures of other areas that AAA considers to be Gems, click here.
Bigger photos? To save server space, the full-sized versions of these images have either not been loaded to the server or have been removed from the server. (Only some pages are loaded with full-sized images and those usually get removed after three months.) I still have them though. If you want me to email them to you, please send an email to guthrie.bruce@gmail.com and I can email them to you, or, depending on the number of images, just repost the page again will the full-sized images.
Connection Not Secure messages? Those warnings you get from your browser about this site not having secure connections worry some people. This means this site does not have SSL installed (the link is http:, not https:). That's bad if you're entering credit card numbers, passwords, or other personal information. But this site doesn't collect any personal information so SSL is not necessary. Life's good!
Photo Contact: [Email Bruce Guthrie].