Other former presidents commemorated with statues in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda:
- Dwight David Eisenhower
- James Garfield
- Ulysses S. Grant
- Andrew Jackson
- Thomas Jefferson
- Ronald Wilson Reagan
- Gerald Ford
| Statue | State | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Andrew Jackson | Tennessee | Rotunda |
| Ronald Wilson Reagan | California | Rotunda |
| George Washington | Virginia | Rotunda |
| Dennis Chavez | New Mexico | Senate Wing, 2nd Floor |
Who is the statue in the US Capitol rotunda?
Looking straight up in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda. This statue of Dwight Eisenhower was given to the National Statuary Hall Collection by Kansas in 2003. His statue replaced that of George W. Glick and marked the first time that a state had replaced one of its statues.
How many statues are in the US Capitol?
The entire collection now consists of 100 statues contributed by 50 states. Thirty-five statues are currently located in National Statuary Hall, 24 in the Capitol Visitor Center, 13 in the Crypt, 13 in the Hall of Columns and six in the Rotunda.
How many statues of the presidents are in the rotunda?
Ronald Reagan in bronze, from California, by Chas Fagan in 2009. Gerald Ford in bronze, from Michigan, by J. Brett Grill in 2011. These six statues representing the presidents will remain in the rotunda indefinitely or until an act of Congress.
Is there a statue of Thomas Jefferson in the rotunda?
In addition to the National Statuary Hall Collection and the memorial statuary, there are a number of other pieces in the Rotunda. Next to the south entrance, opposite of the statue of George Washington, is a bronze statue of Thomas Jefferson with the Declaration of Independence.
Who are the statues in the U.S. Capitol?
CurrentCommissioned byStatueLocationAlaskaStatue of Ernest GrueningCapitol Visitor CenterArizonaStatue of Barry GoldwaterNational Statuary HallStatue of Eusebio KinoCapitol Visitor CenterArkansasStatue of James Paul ClarkeCapitol Visitor Center74 more rows
Who is the goddess on top of the Capitol Building?
The Goddess of LibertyThe Goddess of Liberty just before crews hoisted her to the top of the Capitol, February 1888. Image Courtesy Texas State Library and Archives Commission, 1965/90-1.
What Confederate statues are in the Capitol Building?
These include the President of the Confederacy, Jefferson Davis, the Vice President, Alexander H. Stephens, and former U.S. President John Tyler, who sided with the Confederate cause and negotiated the terms for Virginia's entry into the Confederate States of America.
Who are the four private citizens to lie in Rotunda?
Private citizens to have lain in honor in the United States Capitol Rotunda are as follows:Jacob Chestnut and John Gibson (July 28, 1998)Rosa Parks (October 30–31, 2005)Billy Graham (February 28 – March 1, 2018)Brian Sicknick (February 2–3, 2021)William Evans (April 13, 2021)Hershel W. Williams (July 14, 2022)
What God is the Statue of Liberty?
LibertasMany historians say that the Statue of Liberty was modeled after Libertas, the Roman goddess of freedom. However, sculptor Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi was first inspired by the colossal figures guarding Nubian tombs.
How many statues are in the Capitol Building?
100 statuesThe National Statuary Hall Collection in the United States Capitol Building is comprised of statues donated by individual states to honor persons notable in their history. The entire collection now consists of 100 statues contributed by 50 states.
Are there any Confederate statues in DC?
The Civil War Monuments in Washington, D.C. are a group of seventeen outdoor statues which are spread out through much of central and northwest Washington, D.C. The statues depict 11 Union generals and formerly included one Confederate general, Albert Pike, who was depicted as a Mason and not as a general.
Are there any African American statues?
With few new exceptions, public and prominent statues of Black people are nonexistent. In 2021, the public art and history nonprofit group Monument Lab researched and chronicled 48,178 statues, plaques, parks, and obelisks across the United States.
Is there a statue of Rosa Parks in the Capitol?
Authorized by the Congress in 2005, the statue of Rosa Parks is historically significant as being the first full-length statue of an African American person in the U.S. Capitol. It is also the first statue commissioned by the Congress since 1873.
Who is buried under the Capitol Rotunda?
Is anyone buried in the Capitol? No. A tomb area was built for the remains of George Washington beneath the Crypt, but his will specified that he wished to be buried at his home at Mount Vernon, and his descendants honored this wish.
Who has laid in the Capitol Rotunda?
Individuals Who Have Lain in State in the Capitol RotundaIndividualOfficeLay in StateCharles SumnerSenatorMarch 13, 1874Thaddeus StevensRepresentativeAugust 13–14, 1868Abraham LincolnRepresentative, President of the United StatesApril 19–21, 1865Henry ClayRepresentative, Speaker of the House, SenatorJuly 1, 185230 more rows
Who determines who can lie in state at the Capitol?
Any person who has rendered distinguished service to the nation may lie in state if the family so wishes and Congress approves. In the case of unknown soldiers, the president or the appropriate branch of the armed forces initiates the action.
What does the statue on top of the Capitol dome symbolize?
- Significance: The bronze Statue of Freedom by Thomas Crawford is the crowning feature of the dome of the United States Capitol. The statue is a classical female figure of Freedom wearing flowing draperies.
What is on top of the Capitol Building?
The bronze Statue of Freedom, facing east over the central entrance, crowns the dome of the United States Capitol. American sculptor Thomas Crawford was already working on other sculptures for the Capitol in his studio in Rome when he was chosen to design the figure to top the new Capitol…
What is the statue on top of the Capitol in DC?
The Statue of Freedom, also known as Armed Freedom or simply Freedom, is a bronze statue designed by Thomas Crawford (1814–1857) that, since 1863, has crowned the dome of the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C. Originally named Freedom Triumphant in War and Peace, a U.S. government publication now states that the ...
Why is the Statue of Freedom Facing East?
Why does the Statue of Freedom face east, away from the National Mall? The Capitol's East Front was planned, and still serves, as its principal entrance (being the only front on level ground), and the statue faces those who arrive from this direction.
How many statues are there in the rotunda?
From the Statuary Hall Collection. Among the group of eleven statues currently encircling the rotunda against the wall at floor level are six from the National Statuary Hall Collection : George Washington, in bronze, from Virginia, by Jean Antoine Houdon (copy cast in 1934).
Who designed the Capitol Rotunda?
Capitol rotunda. Capitol rotunda. The doctor and architect William Thornton was the winner of the contest to design the Capitol in 1793. Thornton had first conceived the idea of a central rotunda.
What is the rotunda in the Senate?
The rotunda is connected by corridors leading south to the House of Representatives and north to the Senate chambers. To the immediate south is the semi-circular National Statuary Hall, which was the House of Representatives chamber until 1857. To the northeast is the Old Senate Chamber, used by the Senate until 1859 and by the Supreme Court until 1935.
How much did the Capitol Dome cost to repair?
In January 2013, the Architect of the Capitol announced a four-year, $10 million project to repair and conserve the Capitol Dome's exterior and the Capitol rotunda. The proposal required the stripping of lead paint from the interior of the dome, repair to the ironwork, repainting of the interior of the dome, rehabilitation of the interstitial space between the dome and rotunda, and installation of new lighting in the interstitial space and the rotunda. The dome and rotunda, which were last conserved in 1960, were showing significant signs of rust and disrepair. There was a danger that decorative ironwork could have fallen from the rotunda to the space below, and that weather-related problems could damage the artwork in the rotunda. Without immediate repair, safety netting was installed, temporarily blocking the rotunda's artwork from view.
How tall is the Apotheosis of Washington?
The fresco depicts George Washington sitting exalted amongst the heavens. It is suspended 180 feet (55 m) above the rotunda floor and covers an area of 4,664 square feet (433.3 m 2 ).
Where is the rotunda located?
The United States Capitol rotunda is the tall central rotunda of the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C. It has been described as the Capitol's "symbolic and physical heart". Built between 1818 and 1824, the rotunda is located below the Capitol dome, which was built between 1857 and 1866.
What are the paintings in the rotunda?
Four of these are scenes from the American Revolution, painted by John Trumbull, who was commissioned by Congress to do the work in 1817. These are Declaration of Independence, Surrender of General Burgoyne, Surrender of Lord Cornwallis, and General George Washington Resigning His Commission. These were placed between 1819 and 1824. Between 1840 and 1855, four more paintings were added. These depicted the exploration and colonization of America and were all done by different artists. These paintings are Landing of Columbus by John Vanderlyn, Discovery of the Mississippi by William Henry Powell, Baptism of Pocahontas by John Gadsby Chapman, and Embarkation of the Pilgrims by Robert Walter Weir .
Where are the statues of the Capitol?
Thirty-five statues are currently located in National Statuary Hall, 24 in the Capitol Visitor Center, 13 in the Crypt, 13 in the Hall of Columns and six in the Rotunda. The remaining statues are located in various areas throughout the House and Senate wings of the Capitol.
How many statues are there in the National Statuary Hall?
The entire collection now consists of 100 statues contributed by 50 states. Thirty-five statues are currently located in National ...
How many statues are there in the National Statuary Hall?
The National Statuary Hall Collection comprises 58 statues of bronze and 31 of marble. Several sculptors have created multiple statues for the collection, the most prolific being Charles Henry Niehaus who sculpted eight statues currently and formerly in the collection. The collection includes statues of nine women; two members of Hispanic descent, ...
What is the National Statuary Hall Collection?
The National Statuary Hall Collection holds statues donated by each of the United States, portra ying notable persons in the histories of the respective states.
How many Confederate statues are there?
Six Confederate figures are currently included in the collection, and two Confederate statues, dedicated to Robert E. Lee and Jabez Lamar Monroe Curry, have been removed. Only the states that sent the statues, not Congress nor the Architect of the Capitol, are authorized to remove them.
When was the first statue of liberty installed?
The first statue was installed in 1870, and, by 1971, the collection included at least one statue from every state. In 1933, Congress passed House Concurrent Resolution No. 47, which limited each state to only one statue in the Statuary Hall. Others would be distributed throughout the Capitol building. In 2000, Congress amended a law ...
The Statue
The statue of President Abraham Lincoln in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol depicts him with a serious, contemplative expression. He looks downward at his extended right hand, which holds the Emancipation Proclamation.
The Sculptor
In 1866, at the age of 18, Vinnie Ream was selected by the U.S. Congress to sculpt a memorial statue of President Abraham Lincoln. This made her the first female artist commissioned to create a work of art for the United States government.
Where should Confederate statues be kept?
Confederate statues, monuments, memorials, flags, symbols and memorabilia should be kept in museums where the historical context of the items can be explained in a sentiment of solemnity, reflection, contrition and conscience. see more. −. +.
Who is the statue of Rose in Arkansas?
Asa Hutchinson (R) signed legislation to replace the statues of Rose and the late Gov. James P. Clarke with the likenesses of country singer Johnny Cash and civil rights activist Daisy Lee Gatson Bates.
How many Confederate statues are there?
Eleven statues in the National Statuary Hall Collection commemorate Confederate soldiers and officials, including several in their Confederate uniforms. Democrats first pushed for their removal in 2017. GOP lawmakers have argued that the authority to remove statues lies with the states that donated them.
Where is the statue of Mary McLeod Bethune?
Florida donated Smith’s bronze statue to the Statuary Hall Collection in 1922 and it now sits in the Capitol Visitor Center. In 2018, then-Gov. Rick Scott (R), who is now a senator, signed legislation to replace Smith’s statue with one of African American educator and civil rights activist Mary McLeod Bethune.
Where is the statue of Pelosi?
South Carolina donated Hampton’s statue in 1929. In 2008, during Pelosi’s previous stint as Speaker, Hampton’s statue was moved to a non-public area just off the House floor. It now sits in a remote area of the Capitol Visitor Center.
Should Confederate flags be placed on pedestals?
Confederate statues, monuments, memorials, symbols, memorabilia, flags and celebrations should never be promoted or placed in a government setting on a pedestal that promotes an aura of honor, glorification, admiration or idolization. However, the Confederacy and the Civil War are part of our history.
Did Pelosi move the statue of Lee?
It has become one of the symbols of Democrats’ fight to remove Confederate statues. During her first tenure as Speaker, Pelosi moved Lee’s statue from Statutory Hall to the Crypt. Gov.
The Statue
Thomas Jefferson is depicted in his best known role as author of the Declaration of Independence. He stands in a dynamic contrapposto pose with his right hand holding a quill pen. The pen’s tip points to Jefferson's left hand, which holds the Declaration of Independence.
The Sculptor
Pierre-Jean David, usually called David d’Angers, was on born March 12, 1788, in Angers, France. As a young man, he worked in the Paris studio of sculptor Philippe-Laurent Roland. In 1811, he won the Prix de Rome, which funded study in Rome. While in Italy he studied the antiquities and met sculptor Andrea Canova.
Who created the Ronald Reagan statue?
The California legislature and governor delegated responsibility for the creation of the statue to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library Foundation, which selected sculptor Chas Fagan and oversaw the design and approval process. This was the second instance of a state's replacing a previously donated statue since such action was authorized by the Congress in 2000 under Public Law 106-554 (40 U.S.C. 187a). The statue was unveiled in the United States Capitol Rotunda on June 3, 2009 ( pictured above ).
What is on the pedestal of Ronald Reagan?
The Tennessee Rose marble pedestal, designed by architect James McCrery, includes a narrow band of concrete pieces from the Berlin Wall, the scene of the 1987 speech in which Reagan demanded of the Soviet Premier, "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!" The front of the pedestal is inscribed with Reagan's name, his life dates and the state name California. On the right and left sides are bronze reliefs of the seals of the offices he held, governor of the State of California and president of the United States; inscribed below them are his terms of service. A bronze plaque on the rear of the pedestal bears a quotation from Reagan's speech at the 1992 Republican National Convention: "America's best days are yet to come. Our proudest moments are yet to be. Our most glorious achievements are just ahead."
Where was Ronald Reagan's body buried?
On June 5, 2004, he passed away at the age of 93. His body lay in repose at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California , and then lay in state in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda. After a state funeral at Washington National Cathedral on June 11, his body was interred at the Reagan Library.
Historical Paintings
Relief Sculpture
- Four wreathed panels above the paintings frame portrait busts of early explorers: 1. John Cabotby Enrico Causici and Antonio Capellano 2. Christopher Columbusby Enrico Causici and Antonio Capellano 3. Sir Walter Raleighby Francisco Iardella 4. Sieur de La Salleby Enrico Causici and Antonio Capellano In the relief panels above the four entrances are scenes from American colon…
Dome, Apotheosis and Frieze
- The sandstone walls of the Rotunda rise 48 feet above the floor. Everything above this line was added between 1855 and 1866 by Thomas U. Walter, who designed the north and south extensions of the Capitol Building. Congress authorized the new high dome of fireproof cast ironto bring the center portion of the U.S. Capitol into harmony with the large new wings. Walter'…
Restoration Efforts
- Over time, water leaking through the Capitol Dome and into the building caused more than 1,000 cracks, damaging paint, cast iron, stone and decorative elements in the Rotunda. Beginning in July 2015, and throughout the restoration process, the Architect of the Capitol repaired ironwork, upgraded electrical and mechanical systems, installed new lighting, removed hazardous materia…
Overview
The United States Capitol rotunda is the tall central rotunda of the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C. It has been described as the Capitol's "symbolic and physical heart". Built between 1818 and 1824, the rotunda is located below the Capitol dome, which was built between 1857 and 1866.
The rotunda is connected by corridors leading south to the House of Represen…
Statues
Among the group of eleven statues currently encircling the rotunda against the wall at floor level are six from the National Statuary Hall Collection:
• George Washington, in bronze, from Virginia, by Jean Antoine Houdon (copy cast in 1934).
• Andrew Jackson in bronze, from Tennessee, by Belle Kinney Sholz and Leopold F. Sholz, in 1928.
Design and construction
The doctor and architect William Thornton was the winner of the contest to design the Capitol in 1793. Thornton had first conceived the idea of a central rotunda. However, due to lack of funds or resources, oft-interrupted construction, and the British attack on Washington during the War of 1812, work on the rotunda did not begin until 1818. The rotunda was completed in 1824 u…
Historical paintings
Eight niches in the rotunda hold large, framed historical paintings. All are oil-on-canvas and measure 12 by 18 feet (3.7 by 5.5 metres). Four of these are scenes from the American Revolution, painted by John Trumbull, who was commissioned by Congress to do the work in 1817. These are Declaration of Independence, Surrender of General Burgoyne, Surrender of Lord Cornwallis, and General …
Lying in state and honor
The main difference between lying in state and lying in honor is whether the person was an elected official or military officer versus being a private citizen. The designated guard of honor that keeps watch over the casket also differs. When a person lies in state, a guard of honor from the United States Armed Forces watches over the casket; when a person lies in honor, the United States …
External links
• Capitol Rotunda from the Architect of the Capitol website