XIII

W hen I was appointed Architect of

the Capitol in 1997, a ten-year celebration was under way that

marked the bicentennial of the Capitol’s initial construction. Four years prior to my arrival, the nation

marked the 200th anniversary of the Capitol’s cornerstone laying. In the year 2000 Congress celebrated two centuries of residence in what had

become the nation’s most venerated building. During this bicentennial period, numerous projects and

programs were undertaken to give the American

people a better understanding of this great building

and the ideals that it stands for. Soon after taking

office I learned that one of the projects was the

preparation of a comprehensive history of the Capitol’s design and construction. I have been pleased

to lend my support to this very important work. 

Within the general story of the Capitol’s development lies the history of the office I am honored to

hold. The office of Architect of the Capitol in effect

began to function in 1791 when President George

Washington appointed a three-man commission to

oversee work in the new capital city. This included

supervision of all construction activities on Capitol

Hill—a significant aspect of what my office does

today. In 1867 the commission’s responsibilities

were handed over to Edward Clark, an architect

who was then finishing a large expansion project

that also involved putting a new dome on top of the

Capitol. With the two offices blended, the modernday Architect of the Capitol became the officer in

charge of all aspects of construction and maintenance for government buildings on Capitol Hill.

In reading about the history of the Capitol I am

struck by the fact that for more than 200 years it

has been a work in progress. Construction of the

building that George Washington had approved was

begun in 1793 but was soon altered by an architectural metamorphosis dictated by changing circumstance, fashion, and fortune. Furthermore, as the

nation grew so did the Congress and the Capitol.

Change and growth seem to be threads that bind

the Capitol’s history together. At the end of the

present volume, mention is made of congressional

approval of a Capitol Visitor Center. It has been my

privilege to oversee the design of this large underground facility, the construction of which will begin

in 2002. It will add greatly to the comfort and security of the millions of visitors who come to the Capitol to see Congress in session and to learn about

the great building in which it meets. It also exemplifies the fact that the Capitol is a vital, evolving

building.

The office of Architect of the Capitol has

diverse responsibilities that include the preservation of the building’s historic fabric and many of its

works of art. Through publications such as this my

office also engages in educational efforts to

enhance the public’s understanding of the building’s

complex and fascinating history. With such an

understanding often comes a new appreciation for

our country’s own unique journey over the last two

centuries. It also engenders a sense of gratitude for

the many men and women who have contributed

their special talents to make the Capitol one of the

world’s greatest buildings. The human aspect of the

Capitol’s story is a reminder that much of history is

biography, and that the nation’s autobiography may

clearly be seen through the magnificent building

known simply as “The Capitol.”

Alan M. Hantman, FAIA

Architect of the Capitol

FOREWORD

Capitol Hill