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

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

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[1] CAPSGN_181227_01.JPG	[2] CAPSGN_181227_07.JPG	[3] CAPSGN_181227_10.JPG
[4] CAPSGN_181227_14.JPG	[5] CAPSGN_181227_17.JPG	[6] CAPSGN_181227_22.JPG
[7] CAPSGN_181227_29.JPG	[8] CAPSGN_181227_38.JPG	[9] CAPSGN_181227_42.JPG
[10] CAPSGN_181227_48.JPG	[11] CAPSGN_181227_51.JPG	[12] CAPSGN_181227_57.JPG
[13] CAPSGN_181227_65.JPG	[14] CAPSGN_181227_68.JPG	[15] CAPSGN_181227_73.JPG
[16] CAPSGN_181227_77.JPG	[17] CAPSGN_181227_81.JPG

Specific picture descriptions: Photos above with "i" icons next to the bracketed sequence numbers (e.g. "[1] ") are described as follows:
1. CAPSGN_181227_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.
2. CAPSGN_181227_07.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.
3. CAPSGN_181227_10.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.
4. CAPSGN_181227_14.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.
5. CAPSGN_181227_22.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.
6. CAPSGN_181227_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 of mature botanical specimens - many of which are rarely seen elsewhere.
7. CAPSGN_181227_38.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.
8. CAPSGN_181227_42.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.
9. CAPSGN_181227_48.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.
10. CAPSGN_181227_51.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.
11. CAPSGN_181227_68.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.
12. CAPSGN_181227_73.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.
13. CAPSGN_181227_77.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.
14. CAPSGN_181227_81.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.
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