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.
