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A capitol is a building where a legislative body meets. The most famous example is the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C., where the U.S. Congress convenes. Many U.S. states also have their own state capitols, which house their legislative branches.
Fun Facts about the US Capitol
1
The Dome Wasn't Always There – The iconic cast-iron dome we see today wasn't part of the original Capitol building. It was added in the 1850s and completed during the Civil War in 1866. Before that, the Capitol had a much smaller wooden dome.
2
Secret Tunnels and a Subway – The Capitol has an extensive network of tunnels and even a small subway system that connects it to nearby buildings. This underground passageway helps members of Congress and staff move quickly between offices without dealing with traffic or bad weather.
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It Was Built in Phases – The construction of the Capitol began in 1793, but it took decades to complete. It was burned by the British in 1814 during the War of 1812, and after being rebuilt, it continued to expand with new wings and renovations over the years.
4
The Whispering Gallery – Inside the National Statuary Hall, there's an acoustic phenomenon called the whispering effect. If someone whispers near one side of the curved wall, the sound can be heard clearly on the opposite side, even though they are far apart.
5
There’s a Crypt Below the Rotunda – Beneath the Capitol Rotunda, there is a crypt originally meant to house the tomb of George Washington. However, Washington’s family refused to move his remains from Mount Vernon, so the crypt remains empty today.
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