Capitol Lyrics: "America the Beautiful"
The lyrics of this patriotic song are found easily at the U.S. Capitol. Once inside the building, a portion of it can be found painted in the Cox Corridors of the south wing.
Delve deeper into the stories behind the people, art, history and grounds.
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History & Discoveries
Displaying 1 - 15 of 291
By Sarah Davis | July 1, 2025
The lyrics of this patriotic song are found easily at the U.S. Capitol. Once inside the building, a portion of it can be found painted in the Cox Corridors of the south wing.
By AOC Staff | April 14, 2025
Blooming Beauty Around the Capitol Campus
By Harper Scott Martin | April 2, 2025
Nestled on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol, these trees stand as a symbol of renewal and spring. A few of the oldest recently received some unique preservation care.
By Thomas Hatzenbuhler | March 19, 2025
See the Capitol campus through the eyes of an AOC Photographer.
By Madeleine Lucchetti | January 2, 2025
The bald eagle is painted, sculpted and carved throughout the Capitol campus. Its white head, wide wingspan and gnarled talons are ubiquitous.
By Michael Dunn | December 5, 2024
Recent historical research has confirmed that the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) is home to the first federal government photography office, what is today called the AOC Photography and Technical Imaging Branch (PTIB).
By Madeleine Lucchetti | November 15, 2024
If you've ever toured a historic building, you might have thought — or heard your tour guide remark — "Wow, if only these walls could talk!" In one Rayburn House Office Building hearing room, they can.
By Kristen Frederick | October 18, 2024
Visit Congressional Cemetery and discover the many connections the Architect of the Capitol has to this hallowed ground.
By Franklin Bradley | October 11, 2024
The Rotunda was completed under the direction of Charles Bulfinch by the time of the visit of the Marquis de Lafayette in October 1824.
By AOC Staff | September 30, 2024
Get to know the newest Architect of the Capitol.
By AOC Staff | September 24, 2024
The Photography and Technical Imaging Branch (PTIB) is responsible for the documentation of the historical buildings and grounds under the care of the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) and capturing the historic events within those spaces.
By Jim Kaufmann | August 14, 2024
While record setting heat and humidity engulfed the nation's capital this summer, the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) celebrated Christmas in July by embarking on an adventure to select the 2024 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree.
By AOC Staff | July 26, 2024
The 2024 Olympic mascot is a conical cap, the Phryge, a French symbol of freedom, but it symbolized freedom in the United States before the French adopted it.
By Erin Nelson | July 8, 2024
Charles "Doc" Wheatley, Assistant Supervisor of the Capitol Building Plumbing Shop's evening shift, has been a constant presence on the Capitol campus since 1987. That's when he accepted his first government position and began a decades-long career serving this treasured institution.
By Carol Campos | June 28, 2024
Thanking those who keep our trees thriving.