Pattern Category: Places Series: Shell Border, Circular Center Object Type: Dinner and Dessert Wares Dimensions: Description:
The view on this plate of the Capitol building is as it appeared in 1814 just prior to the British burning its exterior. It only appears on this size of plate and a smaller 6.5 inch plate.
Pierre L'Enfant chose the site for the Capitol on Jenkins Hill overlooking the Potomac, and George Washington laid the cornerstone in 1793. Based on an original design by William Thornton, several architects worked on the building, including James Hoban who was concurrently supervising the building of the President's House a mile away. Though incomplete, the Congress held its first session here in 1800.
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