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In 1783 Representative James Madison introduced a resolution to create a library that would give the Congress access to works about the laws of nations and about American history and affairs. The Library of Congress was founded in 1800 and located in one room in the Capitol; as the collection grew
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The Smithsonian Institution, which today includes approximately two dozen museums and research centers, was founded in 1846. It was named for English scientist James Smithson, who bequeathed his estate to the United States to create an establishment "for the increase and diffusion of knowledge among
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For decades after America won its independence from Great Britain, many of its people still lacked basic rights. The drive for woman suffrage was formalized at the 1848 women's rights convention in Seneca Falls, New York, but not until 1920 (with the ratification of the nineteenth amendment to the
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At his March 4 inaugural on the steps of the newly completed Capitol, Lincoln expressed his hopes for reconstruction of the Union after the Civil War. He urged moderation, humility, and humanity in dealings with the South. Shown in the center of the scene (from left to right) are Vice President
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Responding to Russian territorial claims along the northern Pacific coast, and concerned that European nations would attempt to seize recently independent Latin American states, President James Monroe announced a new national policy. No new colonies would be allowed in the Americas, and European
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In his farewell address at the end of his second term as president, George Washington urged America, "Observe good faith and justice toward all nations. Cultivate peace and harmony with all." He is depicted here at his desk with Alexander Hamilton, who helped him write the address. Left: The sawyer
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Meeting in New York at Federal Hall, the first federal Congress initiated the committee system, levied taxes and imposts, and enacted a judicial system. The Senate exercised its powers of advice and consent. Most important, the Congress passed the first ten amendments to the Constitution, which
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In June 1776 five delegates to the Second Continental Congress drafted the Declaration of Independence. The mural depicts (from left to right) Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, Thomas Jefferson, Robert Livingston, and John Adams. On the wall in the background is a portrait of English philosopher
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Following the Revolutionary War, the new American government was first organized under the Articles of Confederation, but that document gave the federal government too little authority to be effective. Convened to amend the Articles of Confederation, this convention wrote a new Constitution that
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Delegates from twelve colonies met in 1774 in Philadelphia to discuss responses to increased British oppression. This convention, the First Continental Congress, formally declared that colonists should have the same rights as Englishmen; they also agreed to form the Continental Association, which
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In 1754 the British government asked colonial representatives to meet in Albany, New York, to develop a treaty with Native Americans and plan the defense of the colonies against France. Exceeding these limited objectives, the assembly adopted a plan developed by Benjamin Franklin for government of
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The Mayflower Compact, a document signed aboard the ship Mayflower in 1620, set forth principles of tolerance and liberty for the government of a new colony in the New World. Pilgrim leader William Brewster is shown signing the document; John Standish, the colony's military leader, stands at left
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There is one original pecan tree still living on the U.S. Capitol campus today.
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U.S. Capitol Grounds memorial tree honoring the Vietnam Veterans of Minnesota planted by Representative Arlen Erdahl in 1982.
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U.S. Capitol Grounds tree to commemorate Auburn University's Toomer's Corner Oak sponsored by Rep. Dennis Ross in 2011.
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U.S. Capitol Grounds tree in memory of Susie Skelton, wife of Rep. Ike Skelton of Missouri, planted by House Leader Nancy Pelosi in 2005.
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U.S. Capitol Grounds memorial tree planted by Sen. Edward M. Kennedy to honor the state of Massachusetts.
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U.S. Capitol Grounds memorial tree planted by Senator J. Glenn Beall Jr. for the state of Maryland.
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U.S. Capitol Grounds memorial tree planted by Senator Nancy L. Kassebaum to honor the state of Kansas in 1996.
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U.S. Capitol Grounds memorial tree planted by Congressman Charles A. Halleck.
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U.S. Capitol Grounds memorial tree planted by Senator Sam Nunn for the state of Georgia in 1983.
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U.S. Capitol Grounds commemorative tree for the state of Connecticut sponsored by Rep. Gary A. Franks.
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U.S. Capitol Grounds memorial tree to honor Speaker Thomas Philip "Tip" O'Neill, Jr. sponsored by Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi.
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U.S. Capitol Grounds memorial tree planted by Mrs. Heather Foley in honor of Rep. Thomas S. Foley's service as Speaker of the House.
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U.S. Capitol Grounds memorial tree for South Carolina Forestry Association planted by Senator Strom Thurmond.
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U.S. Capitol Grounds tree in memory of Senator Willard Saulsbury in 1918.
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U.S. Capitol Grounds tree in memory of Senator Thomas P. Gore in 1949.
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U.S. Capitol Grounds memorial tree planted by Senator Leverett Saltonstall in 1954.
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U.S. Capitol Grounds commemorative tree to honor Senator Jack Miller.
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U.S. Capitol Grounds commemorative tree planted by No Greater Love and Sen. John McCain to Honor Senator J. Robert Kerrey.