A Capitol Idea!

On our last day touring Washington, we tackled Capitol Hill, that nest of sleeze, corruption and vipers. Putting aside the viper aspect, the Capitol and the Library of Congress are beautiful buildings. The history is also rich and inspired. While we gained access to the Senate side courtesy of NH Senator Maggie Hassan, we ran out of time and could not see the House side. There was plenty to see and digest, nonetheless.

For you New Hampshirites, you will recognize the two persons chosen to represent the state in the Statue Hall. They are General Stark (Live Free or Die) and Daniel Webster.

There were a few other notables, such as Sam Adams and Harry S Truman and, of course, Lincoln.

This almost looks like his death mask because of its detail.

Our guide, a member of Hassan's staff, took us to see the old Senate chamber, a small room with the desks very close together. It was possible to envision Rep. Preston Brooks, a pro-slavery advocate, caning Senator Charles Sumner, an aboloitionist, on this same floor on May 22, 1856.

We also visited the old Supreme Court, where Dolly Madison was a presence when the Court was in session. Reportedly, she was late to one set of hearings and asked that the arguments be re-heard so she could listen to it all. Her request was granted.

We did get to the Senate Chambers where a hostess welcomed us. When asked how the Republicans and Democrats got along today, she observed that there was a strong division and relations were sometimes strained and polarized. She reflected that the atmosphere was the same as existed across the country at large.

This is from the old Senate room, displaying an older order.

While this scene is from the pre-Civil War era, the Library of Congress reflects the boldness and growing wealth of the U.S. during the latter part of the 19th century.

From the top floor of the Library looking down on the Reading Room. Note the use of multiple marbles and other building stones, the stained glass and window architecture and the gold.

And the ceiling:

The main hall of the building is just as ornate. In the late 1800s, the wave of emigrants employed in executing this exquisite stone work and plaster came from Europe. They were hungry for work and they put their skills to good use.

During the War of 1812, the British torched Washington, including the White House, the Capitol and the Library of Congress. The few volumes which were kept at the Library were burned. As Jefferson approached death, his finances were n a precarious state. His profligate ways were taking a toll. (Compare this with Washington's estate, boosted, of course, by his wife's personal wealth.)

Jefferson sold his library to the government, thus providing the Library with an impressive rebirth after the War of 1812.

Among other highlighted parts of the collection is the Gutenberg Bible. This was printed in the late 1400s in Latin. It pre-dated the King James version in English by over 100 years, but it heralded a coming wave of religious freedom where the reader would no longer be dependent upon clergy to interpret God's word. Think of all that came from this momentous event.

That concludes our Washington "tour." Now is the time to look eastward to the eastern shore, which will come in the next few days. There is so much we did not see, including Arlington Cemetary, the National Cathedral and the Kennedy Center, to name a few places. Perhaps that will be a reason to return some day?

Cheers,

Brio