The U.S. Capitol Building

Home to the meeting chambers of the Senate and the House of Representatives for two centuries, the United States Capitol is among the most architecturally impressive and symbolically important buildings in the world. Since construction began in 1793 under the direction of architect William Thornton, the Capitol has been built, burned (by British troops during the War of 1812), rebuilt, extended, and restored to its present condition that covers a ground area of 175,170 square feet, contains approximately 540 rooms and has 658 windows, 108 in the dome alone. It remains a monument not only to its many builders, but also to the American people and their government.