United States Capitol


The United States Capitol is the building which serves as home for the
legislative branch of the United States government. It is located atop
Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.. The building is characterized by a central
dome and two wings - one for each branch of Congress. The north wing is home
of the Senate, the south wing is home of the House of Representatives.

Construction of the Capitol building began in 1793. The Senate wing was
completed in 1800, while the House wing was completed in 1811. Shortly after
completion, it was partially burned down by the British. Reconstruction
began in 1815, and was completed by 1830. The building was expanded
dramatically in the 1850s. The Architect Benjamin Latrobe is principally
connected with the original construction and many innovative interior
features whilst Thomas U Walter was responsible for the wing extensions and
the "wedding cake" dome. In 1863 Armed Freedom, a colossal statue, was added
to the top of the dome.

On July 24, 1998, Russel Eugene Weston Jr. burst into the Capitol and opened
fire killing two police officers. He was later ruled to be incompetent to
stand trial.