Around the Clocks

Clock above the east door inside the U.S. Capitol Rotunda.

All eyes will be on the clocks this week as we countdown to the New Year.

Many of the clocks around the Capitol campus also get plenty of attention throughout the rest of the year. The Architect of the Capitol (AOC) cares for most of the historic and modern clocks here. Our electronic mechanics go to great heights to maintain and work on the clocks, sometimes needing elevators or ladders to reach them.

The clock in the photo above is just one of the places you can count on to check the time by looking atop the east exit from the Capitol Rotunda, below the relief panel of the "Landing of the Pilgrims."

Below are ten... nine... eight other clocks of note.

8. Car of History

This marble sculpture is among the oldest works of art in the Capitol. It depicts the muse of History holding a book in which she records events as they unfold. Located in National Statuary Hall, this clock faces an entrance to the current House Chamber.

7. Senate Chamber Clock

Doorkeeper Isaac Bassett adjusts Senate Chamber clock.

During the 19th century, Assistant Doorkeeper Isaac Bassett became famous for turning back the hands of the clock in the Senate Chamber to add precious moments at the end of a busy session.

6. Legislative Clocks

Electric clocks throughout the Capitol and congressional buildings feature lights and buzzers to indicate House and Senate floor activity, including a call to vote, a quorum call, adjournment and recess.

5. Old Supreme Court Chamber Clock

Above this clock by Simon Willard is a plaster relief consisting of Justice in the center, Fame on the left and an eagle on the right, which protectively rests one foot upon books containing the written laws.

4. Voigt Clock

Since the clock's arrival in 1816, it has stood in or near the Senate Chamber. This clock is also known as the "Ohio Clock," even though no one is quite sure why.

3. Mr. Flanagan's Clock

Mr. Flanagan's Clock in the Library of Congress.

The winding and setting mechanisms for this clock are located in the back, which has to be reached by taking an elevator to a locked alcove overlooking the Main Reading Room of the Library of Congress Thomas Jefferson Building.

2. House of Representatives Clock

Originally installed over the north door of the House Chamber, this clock can now be found on display in the U.S. Capitol's Crypt. Its gilded oak case is crowned by a bronze eagle and flanked by bronze Backwoodsman and Indian sculptures.

1. Taft Carillon

Not a typical clock when you first look at it, but the Taft Carillon's bells are automatically operated to strike the hour and sound on the quarter hour, they can also be played manually.

THIS ARTICLE WAS ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED December 31, 2015

Comments

whenever the Voigt clock shows up in the news, I wanted to find out more about it; nice presentation._x000D_ thanks to you, now i know._x000D_ thank you._x000D_ jim

I am watching the Impeachment Trial and have been taken by the beautiful clock in the hall. So, I did a little research and found out a little bit about it. The Voigt Clock or Ohio Clock is stunning. (The floor it stands on adds to it‚Äôs beauty as well as the color of the walls.)_x000D_ I love DC and it‚Äôs history! _x000D_ Sincerely a very patriotic citizen from the Great State of Idaho,_x000D_ Mary Pasley

One "good" think coming out of the impeachment trial...my discovery of the Voigt Clock. Astounding piece, to be sure.

I too being a clock collector googled to find the history of the clock in the Senate hall ie the Voigt Clock.
Thanks for the history of all the clocks.

I have been watching the Impeachment trail also. I admired the clock and wanted to know how old it was. It is stunning and keeping time correctly. It is wonderful that we still have the older clocks and furniture in our government buildings. Things to cherish.

It's very impressive to see that the people in the Washington DC Capital have absolute great pride in preserving these beautiful early handcrafted clocks in the Capital building.

The Voigt clock with the Federal look featuring an eagle above the face of the dial is quite impressive. At this very moment, I do not know how many of these exist, but at least one is pictured in the hall near the Senate.
I'm a reverse painter for old and new clocks, and after seeing this clock, I just had to step in to comment on my thoughts. I would love to see this clock in real-time, only if I can afford to travel. Thank you for sharing this beautiful piece of history for many, many generations to come. Very impressive and I too love early clocks just like you fine people.

Respectfully yours, the citizens of the United States,
RODNEY PRUITT

As an 8th generation “Watch and Clock maker” it’s always cool to see these things.

Thank you for reposting this article. It is most informative and interesting for a clockmaker. I have cared for clocks in several state capitol buildings and historic landmarks around the Country. Thank you to the Architect of the Capitol for your care of such important timepieces.

Around the Clocks

8. Car of History

7. Senate Chamber Clock

6. Legislative Clocks

5. Old Supreme Court Chamber Clock

4. Voigt Clock

3. Mr. Flanagan's Clock

2. House of Representatives Clock

1. Taft Carillon

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