Foundations for a Nation: Architectural Images from the Albert H. Small Washingtoniana Collection

Detail of "Bird’s-Eye View of Capitol Dome and the Mall"

Bird’s-Eye View of Capitol Dome and the Mall (detail), Ronald Thompson, ca. 1970. Albert H. Small Washingtoniana Collection 167

Now on view

To today’s visitor, the U.S. Capitol and White House buildings are so familiar they feel both permanent and inevitable. In the early nineteenth century, however, the look and use of these symbols of democracy went through many changes. Foundations for a Nation explores how public competitions, the preferences of individual presidents, and unanticipated historical events shaped Washington’s iconic landmarks.

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George Washington and Peter L’Enfant chose for the White House a gentle hill overlooking the Tiber Creek that connected to the Potomac River. The President’s House, from the River, based on painting by W.H. Bartlett, 1840. Albert H. Small Washingtoniana Collection 172.
(click to enlarge)

Bird’s-Eye View of Capitol Dome and the Mall by Ronald Thompson, ca. 1970. Albert H. Small Washingtoniana Collection 167.
(click to enlarge)

German interest in the new nation led to publication of this view of what became the original Capitol, with its floorplan. Oestliche Fronte des Capitols von Washington, [and] Grundriss des capitols, 1828. Albert H. Small Washingtoniana Collection 260.
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The growing nation required a larger Capitol. Here workmen erect new wings designed by Thomas U. Walter. Present State of the Capitol at Washington, 1853. Albert H. Small Washingtoniana Collection 180.
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A large crane built to fit inside the Rotunda hoisted building materials to construct the new 287-foot tall Capitol Dome. Balloon View of Washington, D.C., 1861. Albert H. Small Washingtoniana Collection 200A.
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The familiar Walter Dome of the Capitol and the extensions were completed in 1868. Capitol of the United States, Washington, D.C., 1882. Albert H. Small Washingtoniana Collection 11.
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Maintenance of the Capitol Dome requires frequent painting. When this illustration was printed, tourists were free to climb to the top. Washington, D.C. – Painting the Dome of the Capitol, 1894. Albert H. Small Washingtoniana Collection 393.
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Today’s familiar grand porte-cochere (covered porch) for the North Front of the White House was not completed until 1830. President’s House. Engraving based on painting by August Köllner, ca. 1850. Albert H. Small Washingtoniana Collection 121.

George Washington and Peter L’Enfant chose for the White House a gentle hill overlooking the Tiber Creek that connected to the Potomac River. The President’s House, from the River, based on painting by W.H. Bartlett, 1840. Albert H. Small Washingtoniana Collection 172.

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Bird’s-Eye View of Capitol Dome and the Mall by Ronald Thompson, ca. 1970. Albert H. Small Washingtoniana Collection 167.

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Oestliche Fronte des Capitols von Washington

German interest in the new nation led to publication of this view of what became the original Capitol, with its floorplan. Oestliche Fronte des Capitols von Washington, [and] Grundriss des capitols, 1828. Albert H. Small Washingtoniana Collection 260.

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Present State of the Capitol at Washington

The growing nation required a larger Capitol. Here workmen erect new wings designed by Thomas U. Walter. Present State of the Capitol at Washington, 1853. Albert H. Small Washingtoniana Collection 180.

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A large crane built to fit inside the Rotunda hoisted building materials to construct the new 287-foot tall Capitol Dome. Balloon View of Washington, D.C., 1861. Albert H. Small Washingtoniana Collection 200A.

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The familiar Walter Dome of the Capitol and the extensions were completed in 1868. Capitol of the United States, Washington, D.C., 1882. Albert H. Small Washingtoniana Collection 11.

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Maintenance of the Capitol Dome requires frequent painting. When this illustration was printed, tourists were free to climb to the top. Washington, D.C. – Painting the Dome of the Capitol, 1894. Albert H. Small Washingtoniana Collection 393.

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Today’s familiar grand porte-cochere (covered porch) for the North Front of the White House was not completed until 1830. President’s House. Engraving based on painting by August Köllner, ca. 1850. Albert H. Small Washingtoniana Collection 121.

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