Before the statue of Liberty Enlightening the World 🗽 was dedicated in 1886, its sculptor created another monumental public work: the Fountain of Light & Water. ⛲️
For nearly 150 years, the AOC & USBG team has cared for Bartholdi's historic fountain: aoc.gov/explore-capitol-camp…
#OTD 140 years ago, the Statue of Liberty was unveiled. 🗽 #LibertyBirthday
This trompe l'oeil bas-relief in the U.S. Capitol's Cox Corridors shows the statue in New York Harbor with an immigrant ship arriving.
#OTD 140 years ago, the Statue of Liberty was unveiled. 🗽 #LibertyBirthday
This trompe l'oeil bas-relief in the U.S. Capitol's Cox Corridors shows the statue in New York Harbor with an immigrant ship arriving.
The tools, supplies and sketches seen below offer a glimpse into the meticulous craft behind some of the U.S. Capitol's most recognizable murals... Reminders of the artistry and dedication that shaped the Cox Corridors.
🔍📖🔗: aoc.gov/explore-capitol-camp…
🎞️: "General George Washington, riding a brown horse, stayed in the background because Lord Cornwallis himself was not present for the surrender..." #OTD 1781 in Yorktown, VA.
Take a deeper look at the four large history paintings by John Trumbull in the #USCapitol Rotunda, which depict pivotal moments before, during and after the Revolutionary War.
🎬 Watch the full video: piped.video/watch?v=_eOngbX0…#America250
Other U.S. Capitol works of art related to events at Yorktown include:
1. A panel of the Frieze of American History
2. "Battle of Yorktown and the Gallantry of Alexander Hamilton" in the Senate Bronze Doors
3. A ceiling scene in S-128
4. "Yorktown, 1781" in the Cox Corridors
This month we celebrate our national tree: the oak. There are 40 different species of oaks (Quercus spp.) currently on the U.S. Capitol Grounds including some of the oldest trees, biggest trees & commemorative trees honoring pivotal moments and people: aoc.gov/explore-capitol-camp… 🐿️
Since 2004, the oak has been the USA's national tree. 🇺🇸🌳 There are 40 different species of oaks on the U.S. Capitol campus, including the swamp chestnut oak. #America250
The U.S. Capitol Grounds is an officially accredited arboretum full of thousands of trees, beneficial insects, native plants and even a hidden retreat.
Learn more with these 5 facts: aoc.gov/explore-capitol-camp… 🌳
"This South East corner stone, of the Capitol of the United States of America in the City of Washington, was laid on the 18th day of September 1793..." 🥁: aoc.gov/explore-capitol-camp…
The tools, supplies and sketches seen below offer a glimpse into the meticulous craft behind some of the U.S. Capitol's most recognizable murals... Reminders of the artistry and dedication that shaped the Cox Corridors.
🔍📖🔗: aoc.gov/explore-capitol-camp…
Selected 🎄 species & height just announced!📣: aoc.gov/explore-capitol-camp…
Chosen from a different national forest each year, the 2026 tree will hail from Idaho's National Forests, named for the Nimíipuu (Nez Perce) people & their term Koos-Koos-Kai-Kai, which means "clear water."
25 years later. We remember. 🇺🇸
Smoke from the Pentagon. U.S. Capitol evacuated; spared when Flight 93 overcame hijackers, crashing in Pennsylvania. Names of the passengers and crew are displayed on a plaque near the Rotunda. A commemorative oak is planted on the Grounds.
Here is your chance to see one of the true icons of American history — a William J. Stone engraved copy of the Declaration of Independence, printed by the State Department in 1823. This extremely rare document is on view at the U.S. Capitol as part of its “Spirit of ’76 — Congress Celebrates the Nation” exhibit. If you see an image of the Declaration reproduced anywhere, it is likely a Stone copy and not the original manuscript at the National Archives, which is faded and barely legible.
This exhibit features original artifacts, images and videos that illustrate how Congress and Americans have commemorated the Declaration on its milestone anniversaries. @visitthecapitol
Link to exhibit: visitthecapitol.gov/explore/…
Happy birthday to the U.S. Capitol Guide Service! 🎉 For 150 years, official Capitol Guides have welcomed countless visitors to the halls of the U.S. Capitol and served as the public face of Capitol tours. Explore the history: visitthecapitol.gov/guide150
ALT A group of four individuals in red jackets stand around a wooden cart displaying a "Then & Now" guide service sign. The cart includes historical information and images, and a small banner below reads "U.S. Capitol Visitor Center – Public Programs." They smile while holding cameras and memorabilia.
ALT A woman in a red blazer is directing two elderly military veterans, one in a wheelchair.
ALT A person wearing a red blazer holds a black-and-white photograph of the United States Capitol. They stand behind a display featuring various educational items related to the Capitol. The setting appears to be an indoor area with a statue in the background.
ALT A person in a red jacket guides a group while pointing upwards inside the U.S. Capitol Rotunda, wearing casual attire, look in the same direction with interest. In the background, a large historical painting is displayed.
Our September schedule of Capitol Conversations presentations is now live! Join us online every Wednesday at 2 p.m. for engaging discussions on a variety of U.S. Capitol-related topics. visitthecapitol.gov/capitol-…
ALT Visitor Guide wearing a red blazer gestures in excitement with a closed fist
Outdoor tours of the beautiful U.S. Capitol Grounds resume September 1! 🌳🌻 Meet our knowledgeable Guides at 11 a.m., Monday-Saturday, at the north entrance of the Capitol Visitor Center. No reservations or tour passes required. visitthecapitol.gov/visit/sp…
ALT A group of people walking on a pathway with the United States Capitol visible in the background under a clear blue sky. The area is surrounded by manicured greenery and a modern stone structure.
A design for the Car of History sculpture first appears in this August 1815 drawing by architect Benjamin Henry Latrobe.
The drawing shows his proposal for rebuilding the former Hall of the House of Reps, which was destroyed when British troops burned the Capitol #OTD 1814. 🔥
Follow the path the British took #OTD 1814 to burn the #USCapitol, learn more about damage done to this historic building, and discover how the 2nd Architect of the Capitol helped prevent total destruction.
Since 1876, official tour guides of the U.S. Capitol have served Congress and visitors. Explore key moments and learn more about the 150-year history of the Capitol Guide Service: visitthecapitol.gov/guide150
ALT The image shows a lively scene at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center. A person in a red coat and top hat gestures animatedly while interacting with a small group of attendees. The group stands around a table displaying vintage cameras, photographs, and informational materials. The museum's spacious interior and part of a statue are visible in the background.
Selected 🎄 species & height just announced!📣: aoc.gov/explore-capitol-camp…
Chosen from a different national forest each year, the 2026 tree will hail from Idaho's National Forests, named for the Nimíipuu (Nez Perce) people & their term Koos-Koos-Kai-Kai, which means "clear water."
These pollutant tolerant London plane trees are great for our urban environment! Used on the west grounds in double rows by Frederick Law Olmsted to guide your eye to the Capitol Dome. 😍