The Capitol

Seriously, this was one of the coolest things we did in Washington D.C., thanks to our friend Nan, and our good Senator, Bob Bennett. We got to go on a tour of the Capitol! You can only go if you schedule it through your senator, and our friend did that for us and I'm so glad we went! We almost didn't go, but it was so worth it! First we met at an office 'off-site' of the capitol. We then took an elevator to an underground train that took us to the basement of the capitol. Right inside the entrance is The Statue of Freedom, a woman, who is also on top of the Capitol Building. The statue on top of the Capitol is over 15,000 pounds. Can you believe that?
A major part of the painting and artwork inside the capitol was done by a man named Costantino Brumidi, an Italian/Greek-American. He worked on the capitol for more than 25 years of his life. The paintings line the hallways of the Capitol and are just amazing! The murals, known as the Brumidi Corridors, reflect great moments and people in United States history. Among the original works are those depicting Benjamin Franklin, John Fitch, Robert Fulton, and events such as the Cession of Louisiana. Brumidi's design left many spaces open so that future events in United States history could be added. Among those added are the Spirit of St. Louis, the Moon landing, and the Challenger shuttle crew.

Brumidi also worked within the Capitol Rotunda. He is responsible for the painting of The Apotheosis of Washington beneath the top of the dome, and also the famous Frieze of United States History. The Apotheosis of Washington was completed in 11 months and painted by Brumidi while suspended nearly 180 feet (55 m) in the air.

Close-up shot of the rotunda painting, "The Apotheosis of Washington".

This is an incredible painting. Lots and lots of symbolism. One of the neatest things it that one of my ancestors, Robert Morris, is featured in this painting and many other artwork in the capitol. Much more on Robert Morris later, but just to wet your palate, here is a little info on him in this particular painting. George Washington is surrounded here by 13 Greek maidens, symbolizing the 13 original colonies. Surrounding the 13 maidens are 6 scenes lining the perimeter, each representing a national concept. My ancestor, Robert Morris, is featured in the 'commerce' scene. (Click here for an enlarged image of the scene.) Mercury, the god of commerce, with his winged petasos and sandals and a caduceus, is depicted giving a bag of gold to American Revolutionary War financier Robert Morris. (He is the one holding the quill pen.) Yes, that's right; he financed the Revolutionary War. If you want to know more about the symbolism behind the rest of the painting, click here.

Here is another painting that is in the Capitol Building. It is called, "Scene at the Signing of the Constitution of the United States," by Howard Chandler Christy. This is a larger than life painting that measures 20X30 feet. The painting depicts Independence Hall in Philadelphia on September 17, 1787. George Washington is the most prominent figure; he stands on the platform next to Richard Spaight of North Carolina, who is signing the document. Eighty-one-year-old Benjamin Franklin is seated in the center, with Alexander Hamilton leaning toward him, while James Madison appears farther to the right. In the lower right hand corner is a man in a purplish-red coat sitting at a dest looking straight at you. That is my ancestor Robert Morris. Isn't that COOL?

Here we are with a stature of none other than Brigham Young inside the Capitol. Each state gets to choose 2 statues to represent itself. Our two are Brigham Young and Philo T. Farnsworth. I know, I know, you thought he was from Idaho. Nope, he's a Utahan, but just invented the TV whilst in the Tater State.
Here is the bronze statue of Philo T. Our tour guide said he is the skinniest statue in the whole capitol. What a claim to fame!

Here we all are outside the capitol. Ashlee, Jason, Brettm and I, Olivia, Nan and their cute little one... her name slipped my mind. These little girls made us homesick for our little ones and Brett sure had fun teasing them and making them laugh. This is the Nan who got us in to the Capitol. Her husband, Dr. Black works with Brett and Jason.

Perfect photo in front of our nation's capitol! God bless America and remember to pray for our nation's and the world's leaders.