What is the roof of the U.S. Capitol?
What is the roof of the U.S. Capitol? Constructed in 1793, the Capitol roof (dome) has its height from its engineering prestidigitation. The bigger outer dome is basically a thin shell, supported by curved iron ribs that make a ring. On the lower side is a smaller dome that supports itself. The smaller one is visible only from the inner side.
Why is the Statue of Freedom facing east?
Why does the Statue of Freedom face east, away from the National Mall? The Capitol's East Front was planned, and still serves, as its principal entrance (being the only front on level ground), and the statue faces those who arrive from this direction.
Why is the front of the Capitol covered?
Why is part of the Capitol Building covered in scaffolding? The Architect of the Capitol (AOC) is preserving the building's exterior stone and metals. The project will prevent water infiltration, slow deterioration of the stone and corrosion of the metals, repair damage and remove soil and stains.
What is the room directly under the Capitol dome?
In the center under the dome is the rotunda, a circular ceremonial space that also serves as a gallery of paintings and sculpture depicting significant people and events in the Nation's history. The rotunda is 96 feet in diameter and rises 180 feet 3 inches to the canopy.
Is that an Indian on top of the Capitol building?
Thomas Crawford's Statue of Freedom (figure 1), the colossal bronze statue atop the U.S. Capitol dome, dominates the Capitol and the city of Washington, D. C., by virtue of its size and placement so far above the ground. Yet this symbol of freedom is often misidentified as an Indian.
Who is on the horse in front of the Capitol?
At two and one-half times life size, the figure of Grant mounted on his horse forms the monument's apex atop a pedestal that is over twenty-two feet high.
Does the U.S. Capitol have a basement?
The rest of this floor is occupied by offices, committee rooms, and press galleries. The fourth floor and the basement/terrace level of the Capitol are occupied by offices, machinery rooms, workshops, and other support areas.