Name/Title
StereographEntry/Object ID
2023.055.3.0333Description
A black and white stereograph. Image is of the US Capitol building, several cars are parked across the street and three people are walking on the steps. Above the image "7" is printed, below the image "32228 The Superb Eastern Facade of the Nation's Capitol, Washington, D.C." is printed, to the left of the image "Keystone View Company COPYRIGHTED Manufacturers MADE IN U.S.A. Publishers" is printed, to the right of the image "Meadville, Pa., New York, N. Y., Chicago, Ill., London, England." is printed. On the reverse the following is printed:
32228
THE CAPITOL FROM THE NORTH-EAST, WASHINGTON, D.C.
Leaving the Washington Monument after our general survey of the city from its lofty apex, we may now go E. to the Capitol and passing around one of the wings contemplate the front of this magnificent structure from the N. E. It should be understood that the western side of the Capitol, looking down the Mall toward the Washington Monument, is really the rear, while the eastern face, at which we are now looking, is the front. It is noticeable that the statue of Freedom, surmounting the dome 307 ft. above the esplanade, faces East. On the central portico beneath it, the oath of office is administered to each succeeding President by the Chief Justice of the U. S. Supreme Cout. The Capitol is 751 ft. in length by 350 ft. in width, covers an area of 3 1/2 acres and is valued, with the grounds arount it, at $26,000,000. In majesty and symetry of design and proportion it is one of the noblest architectural objects in the world. As Gilbert Grosvenor has feelingly written of it "The Capitol was built on a hill (89 ft. above the Potomac) which L'Enfant described as a natural pedestal awarding its monument. Overlooking the vast amphitheater formed by the environing hills of Maryland . . . it commands every landscape and gladdens ten thousand views of the city. Its building began in 1792, eight years before the national government's effects were brought here from Philadelphia in a packet boat. Ever since, its construction has progressed; it is not completed yet. It seems to symbolize the evolution of our country, as well as the dignity and might of the nation. . . . It is little short of marvelous that there are no 'flat notes' in the frozen music of its architecture."
Copyright Keystone View CompanyCollection
Photograph Collection