George Washington Lays the Cornerstone of the Capitol
Isaiah 28:16 therefore thus says the Lord God, “Behold, I am the one who has laid as a foundation sin Zion, a stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, of a sure foundation: ‘Whoever …………
Historically, the cornerstone was the most important part of any building. The total weight of an edifice rested on this particular stone, which, if removed, would collapse the whole structure. The cornerstone was also the key to keeping the walls straight. The builders would take sightings along the edges of this part of the building. If the cornerstone was set properly, the stonemasons could be assured that all the other corners of the building would be at the appropriate angles as well. Thus, the cornerstone became a symbol for that which held life together.
George Washington laid the cornerstone of the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C., marking a significant milestone in the construction of the nation's capital.
Capitol Cornerstone Ceremony, 1793" (by Allyn Cox)
On September 18, 1793, President George Washington laid the cornerstone of the U.S. Capitol. A Virginia newspaper, the Alexandria Gazette, recorded how Washington crossed the Potomac and was met by two brass bands, a volunteer artillery company, and a delegation of Masons in full regalia. They accompanied him in the first parade held in Washington, DC—a grand procession from the construction site of the White House to the construction site for the U.S. Capitol.
“The Capitol is in progression—the southeast is yet kept vacant that [the] cornerstone is to be laid with the assistance of the brotherhood [on] the 18th Inst. Those of the craft however dispersed are requested to join the work. The solemnity is expected to equal the occasion.”
The ceremony proceedings were reported in an article in The Columbia Mirror and Alexandria Gazette, which remains the only known eyewitness account of the event. Activities began at 10:00 a.m. with the appearance of President Washington and his entourage on the south bank of the Potomac River. Crossing the river with the president was a company of volunteer artillery from Alexandria. The procession joined Masonic lodges from Maryland and Virginia, and all marched two abreast, "with music playing, drums beating, colors flying, and spectators rejoicing," to the site of the Capitol about a mile and a half away. There the procession reformed and Washington, flanked by Joseph Clark (the Grand Master) and Dr. E. C. Dick (the master of the Virginia lodge), stood to the east of a "huge stone" while the others formed a circle west of it. Soon, the engraved plate was delivered and the inscription read:
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, in the thirteenth year of American Independence, in the first year of the second term of the Presidency of George Washington, whose virtues in the civil administration of his country have been as conspicuous and beneficial, as his Military valor and prudence have been useful in establishing her liberties, and in the year of Masonry 5793, by the Grand Lodge of Maryland, several lodges under its jurisdiction, and Lodge 22, from Alexandria, Virginia.
Thomas Johnson, David Stuart and Daniel Carroll, Commissioners
Joseph Clark, R. W. G. M.—P. T.
James Hoban and Stephan Hallate, Architects
Collen Williamson, M. Mason
The plate was handed to Washington, who stepped down into the foundation trench, laid the plate on the ground, and lowered the cornerstone onto it. With the president were Joseph Clark and three "worshipful masters" bearing the corn, wine, and oil used to consecrate the stone. Chanting accompanied Washington’s ascent from the trench. Clark gave a speech punctuated by numerous volleys from the artillery. Following the formal exercises, a 500 pound ox was barbequed and those in attendance "generally partook, with every abundance of other recreation." By dark, the festivities had ended.
We know from that newspaper article, and from Masonic ritual, that Washington placed an inscribed silver plate under the cornerstone at the southeast corner of this building. However, we do not know whether that meant the southeast corner of the Senate wing, the first section of the building to be completed, or the southeast corner of the whole building as intended, which would locate it over on the House side. More than two centuries later, the Architect of the Capitol is still searching for that cornerstone. Metal detectors have failed to locate the silver plate.
Regardless of where the cornerstone may be found, the significance of that event was the personal interest that George Washington and other federal leaders took in this building. They were conscious of creating a republic amid a world of monarchies, and they turned to the ancient Roman republic as a model, to make the fledgling government look more impressive. In that spirit, they renamed Jenkins Hill as Capitoline Hill—soon shortened to Capitol Hill. On the draft plans for the city, Thomas Jefferson also crossed out “Congress Hall”—as the meeting place for Congress was called in Philadelphia—and wrote “Capitol” instead. At the time, the federal government was situated in Philadelphia, a city of brick, but Washington wanted a classical style for the new capital city that would be named for him, with buildings constructed in stone.
George Washington envisioned a domed structure atop Capitol Hill, and he admired the neoclassical design submitted by a physician, Dr. William Thornton, for its “grandeur, simplicity, and beauty.” Thomas Jefferson similarly described Thornton’s plan as “simple, noble, beautiful, excellently distributed, and moderate in size.” Jefferson added that no one was more delighted with these plans than the president, “whose decision is most important.” Congress agreed and appropriated the funds. After laying the cornerstone, Washington returned periodically to oversee the construction, but sadly did not live to see Congress occupy the new building. He died in December 1799, less than a year before the Senate and House first convened in the Capitol.
Since then, the Capitol has grown along with the nation. New states brought more senators and representatives, and new wings had to be added to accommodate them, their staffs, and their constituents—most recently with the opening of the Capitol Visitor Center in 2008. Throughout this growth, the building has retained the classical appearance that Washington wanted. The Capitol stands as a reminder of the lasting impact of government actions—for decisions made in the 1790s continue to influence this building and this city more than two centuries later.
Ninth Architect of the Capitol George White and Senate Sergeant at Arms Martha Pope look on during a search for the Capitol's first cornerstone in 1991.
In 1991, a search for the Capitol Cornerstone was conducted including use of a metal detector to locate the engraved plate—it was not found. The location may be under the south east corner of what is today National Statuary Hall.
The bronze doors of the Senate wing are comparable to those in the House. Each valve consists of three panels, depicting events in the life of George Washington and Revolutionary War scenes, and an allegorical medallion.
The Senate Bronze Doors were created for the east portico of the new Senate wing during the mid-19th-century expansion of the U.S. Capitol. They were designed and modeled by the American sculptor Thomas Crawford in Rome in 1855–1857. After Crawford's death in 1857, William H. Rinehart was commissioned to complete the work and the models were shipped to America in 1864. They were cast by James T. Ames at his foundry in Chicopee, Massachusetts, in 1864–1868, and placed late in 1868.
Description of Panels
The descriptions below start at the top of each valve and proceed downward.
Left Valve
Laying of the Cornerstone of the United States Capitol
On September 18, 1793, the cornerstone of the Capitol was laid in the southeast corner of the foundation with Masonic rites. President George Washington is shown with the trowel in his right hand.Inauguration of George Washington as First President
The inauguration took place on April 30, 1789, on the balcony of Federal Hall in New York City. Chancellor Robert Livingston is depicted administering the oath of office, and George Washington's right hand is resting upon the open Bible. Vice President John Adams is shown on the right, with other noted guests at the left.Ovation for George Washington at Trenton, New Jersey
The panel depicts George Washington receiving an ovation at Trenton, New Jersey, en route to his 1789 inaugural in New York. A triumphal arch of flowers was built over the bridge at Assumpink Creek, the place where Washington had defeated the British. Small girls strewed flowers before him as he slowly rode across the bridge, accompanied by the singing of the multitudes gathered to honor him.Medallion — Peace and Agriculture
This tranquil scene shows a farmer and his family gathered around a plow and a sheaf of wheat.
Right Valve
Battle of Bunker Hill and the Death of General Warren
On June 16, 1775, the British Army intended to seize and fortify Bunker Hill, opposite the city of Boston. Colonel Prescott and a thousand American patriots entrenched themselves on Breed's Hill, which was lower but nearer Boston. American reinforcements led by Generals Putnum and Warren joined in the intense hand-to-hand battle. General Warren was shot; in this panel, Colonel Prescott is shown supporting the dying General.Battle of Monmouth and the Rebuke of General Lee
On June 18, 1778, the British Army evacuated Philadelphia and proceeded through New Jersey toward New York. General Charles Lee and General Lafayette were in command of the militia that was to harass the rear of the British Army in order to bring on a general engagement. A successful attack was made, but Lee failed to hold the ground. General Washington met the retreating troops and rallied them. The panel depicts General Washington rebuking General Lee with great severity for his failure to obey his orders.Battle of Yorktown and the Gallantry of Alexander Hamilton
The scene is set at the close of the war when Cornwallis was entrenched at Yorktown, Virginia. The central figure in the panel is Alexander Hamilton, who was granted permission by General Washington to lead the attack on one of the two redoubts that had to be taken.Medallion — War
A Hessian soldier is shown in a death struggle with a farmer, who is protecting his wife and child from the soldier's assault.
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We have had the blessing of a few true, honest leaders in our years of American nationhood. Citizens must inform themselves and demand higher standards than those we settle for now. Alas. It’s not looking good for us.