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    HomeAbout UsHistory of the Architect of the CapitolArchitects of the CapitolEdward Clark
  

Fifth Architect of the Capitol

Birth
    1822

Philadelphia, PAUnited States

Death
    1902

Years Served
    1865-1902

Painted portrait of Edward Clark, Fifth Architect of the Capitol.
    
                  Appointed August 30, 1865; Died in office, January 6, 1902

Edward Clark was appointed Architect of the Capitol Extension in 1865 to fill the vacancy caused by Thomas U. Walter's resignation. Under way for over 14 years, the interior of the U.S. Capitol extension was at this point complete, and only the outside porticoes needed to be finished.

In 1867, with the completion of the U.S. Capitol Building's extension fast approaching, Congress directed Clark to take over the Capitol-related responsibilities formerly held by the Commissioner of Public Buildings. Thus, he would take responsibility for the care and maintenance of the U.S. Capitol and its grounds. Clark's title soon changed to Architect of the Capitol, dropping the word "Extension" to reflect the broader responsibilities of the new office. Clark is considered the first Architect of the Capitol as the term refers to the head of a congressional agency.

Born in Philadelphia in 1822, Clark came to Washington as an architectural student in Walter's office and served in various capacities during his master's tenure. In his own term, he completed the U.S. Capitol extension and new dome projects and oversaw the construction of the western terraces that were designed by Landscape Architect Frederick Law Olmsted. Also during his administration, the Library of Congress moved to its own building, and the west central interior of the U.S. Capitol was reconstructed. Clark died in 1902 while still in office.
          
    
      Related Buildings
Clark's Legacy
Each Architect of the Capitol helped shape the iconic buildings and grounds we know today.
            
          Capitol Dome

The U.S. Capitol’s dome made of cast iron was designed by Thomas U. Walter and constructed from 1856-1866 at the total cost of $1,047,291.
    Olmsted Terrace

In 1874, Frederick Law Olmsted was charged with devising a comprehensive landscape scheme for the U.S. Capitol. Olmsted's major concern was the visual presentation of the Capitol Building and the support of its daily functions.
    Thomas Jefferson Building

Until the Thomas Jefferson Building opened in 1897, the Library of Congress was housed in the U.S. Capitol's west center building.
Architects of the capitol
Discover More Agency Leaders
            
          Thomas Ustick Walter
    Elliott Woods Serve. Preserve. Inspire.

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