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History & Discoveries

Haunted Halls of Congress: 5 Creepy Capitol Legends

Discover the myths, mysteries and folklore of this historic American building.
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History & Discoveries

A Most Magnificent Ruin: The Burning of the Capitol during the War of 1812

By Curator Division | August 1, 2023

In retaliation for Americans burning the Canadian capital at York (Toronto) on April 27, 1813, British troops would later descend on Washington, D.C., setting fire to much of the city. Follow the path the British took in 1814 to burn the U.S. Capitol and learn more about damage done to this historic building.

History & Discoveries

Meigs' Miniatures: The Story of the Tiny Doors in the U.S. Capitol

By Erin Nelson | December 23, 2022

Guesses for what is behind the Capitol Building's smallest doors are as varied as the architectural details that encompass the Capitol campus. The correct explanation for their existence involves Christmas Eve, the Library of Congress and engineer Montgomery Meigs.

History & Discoveries

The Liberty Cap: Symbol of American Freedom

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.

Behind the Scenes

U.S. Capitol Clean-up

By AOC Staff | January 15, 2021

Hear from a few employees about the incredible effort they and their teams put forward in the aftermath of the Capitol breach on January 6, 2021.

History & Discoveries

Six Special Rooms by Brumidi

By Sarah Davis | July 2, 2019

Brumidi worked on an impressive number of projects in the U.S. Capitol, including: the House Committee on Agriculture room, Lyndon B. Johnson Room, Senate Reception Room, the President's Room, the Committee on Naval Affairs room and the Senate Committee on Military Affairs room.

History & Discoveries

How The Capitol Crypt Got Its Name

By Curator Division | December 14, 2022

Is anyone buried in the U.S. Capitol? The term "crypt" has long referred to a space beneath the main floor of a church or a chamber in a mausoleum. For many of us it suggests somber, stony silence and perhaps dusty coffins. The Capitol Crypt, however, is a different thing altogether.

History & Discoveries

Bells, Buzzers, Clicks and Clocks

By Sharon Gang | October 2, 2014

In a world where everyone carries a cell phone and some carry more than one, people still check the historic clocks on the Capitol campus for the time of day.

History & Discoveries

Capitol Illumination

By Franklin Bradley | March 6, 2024

The Architect of the Capitol makes the U.S. Capitol Dome, an enduring symbol of democracy recognized throughout the world, visible to all throughout the night. Learn more about the history of lighting this iconic building including the part of the Dome called the "tholos."

History & Discoveries

Haunted Halls of Congress: 5 Creepy Capitol Legends

By Erin Courtney | October 31, 2022

Given that the United States Capitol was once expected to be the final resting place for George Washington, replete with a crypt, should we be surprised that multiple Capitol-related ghost stories exist? Discover the myths, mysteries and folklore of this historic American building.

History & Discoveries

Around the Clocks

By Sarah Davis | December 29, 2025

All eyes are on the clocks as we countdown to the New Year. These clocks around the Capitol campus also get plenty of attention throughout the rest of the year.

Programs & Events

By the Numbers: Presidential Inauguration 2021

By Erin Nelson | January 4, 2021

Every four years Americans cast their vote for president in November and watch as the newly elected president takes the oath of office the following January. Architect of the Capitol (AOC) staff also spend these months preparing for the inauguration at the U.S. Capitol.

History & Discoveries

The Lincoln Catafalque in the U.S. Capitol

By Curator Division | April 15, 2015

To commemorate the 150th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's death, AOC Curator Barbara Wolanin details the days he lay in state at the U.S. Capitol.

History & Discoveries

Lincoln and the Capitol

By AOC Staff | February 12, 2026

Today, one cannot go far at the U.S. Capitol without seeing a likeness or connection to President Abraham Lincoln and the tumultuous period he served in Congress and the White House.

Behind the Scenes

One Team, One Mission, One Day

By Sharon Gang | September 28, 2012

Presidential inaugural ceremonies at the United States Capitol take a team effort to pull together, and planning for the event begins as soon as the previous Inauguration ends. Take a behind-the-scenes look at the AOC's role in this event.