Saturday, November 30, 2013

December 2, 1863---The Capitol Dome is completed



DECEMBER 2, 1863:          

The dome of the U.S. Capitol is completed with the installation of the Statute of Freedom atop her pedestal. The architect, Thomas U. Walter, a dour stoic of a man who felt he was underpaid, never advised anyone in advance that the project was completed, and so Washington missed out on an opportunity for ceremony and speechmaking. Belatedly, the President ordered a 35-gun salute (one for each State of The Union) to mark the occasion.