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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
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.
History & Discoveries
Honoring the U.S. Capitol Guides Buried in Congressional Cemetery
Several of the men who first led tours through the U.S. Capitol are buried in Congressional Cemetery. In December 2019, a group from the Capitol Visitor Center Social Committee gathered at the cemetery to place markers on the graves of these guides and learn more about their lives.
Comments
The Summerhouse is my favorite part of the Capitol Grounds. I only knew a second one was conceived and unbuilt, but nothing more. Franklin, I appreciate your extensive research. Thank you for sharing this fascinating story!
Build it!
I agree -- let's build it now.
It is a beautiful spot.
This is my first time of the Summerhouse built, our next trip to the Capital I put this as a number 1 stop. Especially in fall, Thank you for this trip into our past.
Thank you for your research....and timely, too, in tribute to Olmsted
Great article Bradley!
Note the picture of the 'Grotto' (original Iroquois name 'qwadake dikep', or 'spring on the hill') in the article and the copper pipe on the left side. For those taking natural pictures of the Grotto, that is something of an anomaly. For those who have always thought there should be two Summerhouses AND maybe several more like it spread along the Mall, one wonders if $4.00 worth of copper pipe would move the one in the picture out of sight further to the left. Otherwise, a very restful and photogenic place in all seasons.
When I came upon the Summerhouse by accident many years ago, it seemed utterly magical, a true oasis of beauty and calm. It has never ceased to enchant me, no matter how many times I have visited it in the years since. Thank you for giving us this background, bittersweet though it is to learn that another, equally lovely such place was never made. Perhaps someday, Olmsted's plan can be realized after all? I will hope so, however unlikely that may be-- as we continue to cherish the little jewel of a garden that was realized and remains one of Olmsted's most delightful gifts.
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