One of the most famous landmarks in the United States is the United States Capitol with the cupola or cupola adorning the roof line. The dome of the Capitol with its pure white sandstone is radiant, a symbol of democracy and strength. A stunning site when lit up at night, it is a final complement to the building it crowns. Located on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, it houses the Senate chambers and the House of the legislative branch. It is one of the most symbolic and architecturally impressive buildings in our Nation.

The design of the original dome began with a Capitol design competition led by Thomas Jefferson, who was Secretary of State during George Washington’s presidency. The $ 500.00 prize and a city lot for whoever produced the winning plan. 17 plans were submitted, none of which were approved. Then in the fall, a letter arrived from Dr. William Thornton, requesting the opportunity to present a plan that the commissioners granted. The building was characterized by a central dome (cupola).

The dome would be placed over the rotunda and had a two-domed structure. The inner dome rose 96 feet above the floor of the rotunda and was built of stone; the exterior was a wooden dome with a copper roof and rose 140 feet. The floor of the Rotunda was illuminated from the oculus at the top of the dome. Thomas Jefferson called it “the first temple dedicated to the sovereignty of the people.”

As the United States grew and more states joined the Union, it was necessary to expand the Capitol. Extensions to the north and south were built. With these additions, the original dome was not aesthetically pleasing. To achieve balance, the size of the dome had to be proportional to the length of the unbroken roof line. The old dome was a fire hazard as it was made of a wooden frame. For these reasons, a new fireproof canopy was deemed necessary. This was the most ambitious undertaking in the history of American architecture.

The wooden dome was removed in the fall of 1856. The new dome was three times the height of the original dome and was built of cast iron with columns, pilasters, dozens of windows, and topped with a statue. A large painting of the Apotheosis of Washington was painted on a shell and the canopy is suspended between the inner and outer dome and is visible through the oculus on top of the inner dome. Apotheosis is a Greek word that means ‘to rise to the stature of a god’.

The domes with their circular shape have been called the perfect architectural form, the circle being a symbol of the universe. In religious architecture, domes proclaim the glory of God. The oculus or eye of the dome is considered the door of the sun. From this gateway at the top of the dome rises the Axis of the world, the link between heaven and earth.

The Rotunda is a circular room located on the second floor of the Capitol on which the dome would be placed. It is this room that has served as the ceremonial center of the United States Capitol and known as the symbolic and physical heart of the United States Capitol.

As America grew, it is clear that state governments viewed the dome of the United States Capitol building as the chosen American architectural icon. Many states chose to emulate the structure to varying degrees in the construction of their own state capitols by incorporating a central cupola or cupola in their designs.

The dome has gained a commanding presence on America’s horizons, a symbol of democracy and the aspiration to allow all citizens to live lives with dignity and freedom.