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History & Discoveries
Top 5 Spots to Enjoy Spring on the Capitol Campus
Spring in Washington, D.C., is one of the most beautiful times to visit the nation's capital; it is also the busiest. Learn about five beautiful, and less known spots, to enjoy the warm weather near the U.S. Capitol including where you can see more than 100 cherry blossom trees.
History & Discoveries
Olmsted's Never-Built Retreat
Before it was cut from the budget, Olmsted had begun designing a south summerhouse; his sketches for it have been rediscovered.
History & Discoveries
The Architect of the Capitol Sweeps Up the Past
When Jim Kaufmann, Capitol Grounds and Arboretum Director, happened across an 1891 street-sweeping map while going through cultural landscape reports, he had no idea how simple an old map could make caring for the U.S. Capitol Grounds.
History & Discoveries
John Adams' Carriage Ride to Washington D.C., in 1800
President John Adams issued a letter to all federal agencies on May 15, 1800, directing the "removal of the public offices, clerks and papers" from the capital city of Philadelphia. In that single sentence, Adams started the final move of the U.S. government to its permanent home, the newly created city of Washington, in the District of Columbia.
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Don't forget the painting on the staircase right off the Senate Chamber, "First Reading of the Emancipation Proclamation by President Lincoln," by Francis Bicknell. http://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/art/artifact/Painting_33_00005.htm
That's a great painting; good point! Alexander Hay Ritchie's print after it--for which Lincoln was the first subscriber, though he didn't live long enough to receive his print--is clearer and more easily read.
By the way, the artist's full name is Francis Bicknell Carpenter. He wrote a book about his experience of living in the White House and coming into contact with Lincoln. It's entitled "Six Months at the White House" (1866).
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