Home
Places
The Capitol

The ceremonial core · 140 photographs

The Capitol

The Capitol and its grounds, with the inaugurations of Taft, Wilson, Harding, Coolidge and Hoover on the east front.

Men beside a giant bronze helmeted head high above the city — c. 1909–32 Three men on the scaffolding beside the head of the Statue of Freedom atop the Capitol dome.National Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LOT 12351-1B <item> [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

History

By 1900 the Capitol had looked much as it does today for a generation: the cast-iron dome was finished around 1866, the new House and Senate wings had been built in the 1850s and 1860s, and Frederick Law Olmsted had landscaped the grounds. The first congressional office buildings went up across the streets in these years: the House Office Building (now Cannon) in 1908 and the Senate Office Building (now Russell) in 1909.

Most inaugurations took place on the east front until 1981, so the photographs of the swearings-in from Taft to Hoover look across the East Plaza from the crowd. Taft’s, in the blizzard of 1909, was moved indoors to the Senate chamber.

What's there now

The Capitol is still the seat of Congress, with a large underground visitor center (opened 2008) beneath the East Plaza. Since 1981 inaugurations have been held on the west front, facing the Mall.

Then and now

The building in these photographs is not quite the one standing today. In 1958–62 a marble copy of the sandstone east front was built 33.5 feet farther east, turning the old outside wall into an inside wall; the sandstone columns of the portico where Wilson, Harding and Coolidge took the oath now stand at the National Arboretum. The dome is the same.

Photographs 140, oldest first

The Capitol with its dome seen across an open plaza — 1902 The Capitol's east front in 1902.Detroit Publishing Company, Library of Congress · LC-D4-32728 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

The Capitol with its dome and Senate wing beyond a curving drive — 1902 The Capitol from the northeast, 1902.Detroit Publishing Company, Library of Congress · LC-D43-15153 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

The U.S. Capitol and dome beyond banks of flowering shrubs and a curving drive — c. 1901–06 The Capitol seen across flowering shrubs and lawns of its grounds in the early 1900s.Detroit Publishing Company, Library of Congress · LC-D4-13248 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

The Capitol dome above trees and a curving road — c. 1905–15 The Capitol seen from the Library of Congress, about 1910.Detroit Publishing Company, Library of Congress · LC-D4-39980 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

The Capitol and its dome above sloping grounds with curving paths and trees — c. 1905–15 The west front of the Capitol rises above the winding paths and bare trees of its grounds.Detroit Publishing Company, Library of Congress · LC-D4-39984 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

The Capitol dome above trees — 1911 The Capitol from the southeast, 1911.Harris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H261- 581 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

A curved underground passage with an overhead rail — 1912 The new monorail subway between the Capitol and the Senate Office Building, 1912.Harris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H261- 1768 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

A huge crowd and troops before the Capitol's columned front — 1913 Woodrow Wilson takes the oath of office on the Capitol's east front, March 4, 1913.National Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F81- 662 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

A huge crowd under bare trees — 1913 Crowds fill the Capitol grounds for Wilson's inauguration, 1913. place probableNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F81- 683 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

Women in white dresses and hats on stone steps — 1913 Suffragists in white on the Capitol steps, 1913.National Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F81- 959 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

Long rows of new wooden bench seating in front of the Capitol's columned wing — 1913 Workmen lay out rows of wooden benches on the inaugural stands before the Capitol in 1913.Harris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H261- 2165 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

A dense crowd before the Capitol's east front and dome, decorated with flags — 1913 A vast crowd fills the plaza before the whole east front of the Capitol, hung with flags, at Woodrow Wilson's inauguration in 1913.Harris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H261- 2571 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

The Capitol dome hazy behind a plume of spray from a hose — 1913 Workmen clean the Capitol's exterior in 1913, a jet of spray rising against the dome.Harris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H261- 3303 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

A big fir tree in a timber frame in front of the Capitol dome and portico — 1913 A tall Christmas tree stands braced in a wooden frame before the Capitol's east front in 1913.Harris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H261- 3400 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

A tiny biplane in the sky beside the Capitol dome — 1913 The stunt flyer Lincoln Beachey's Curtiss biplane over the Capitol, 1913.Harris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H261- 4407-A [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

Men perched in the branches of a leafless tree in front of the Capitol dome — 1913 Spectators climb a bare tree for a view of the 1913 inauguration as crowds gather before the Capitol dome.Harris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H261- 6719 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

The Capitol's columned east portico and dome with a wooden platform in front — February 22, 1913 The inaugural platform built out from the Capitol's east portico, February 1913.Bain News Service, Library of Congress · LC-B2- 2646-11 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

Wide view of the Capitol east front with a wooden platform being built — February 22, 1913 The inaugural platform under construction on the Capitol's east front, February 1913.Bain News Service, Library of Congress · LC-B2- 2646-12 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

The Capitol dome and east front with bare trees in the foreground — March 3, 1913 The Capitol on March 3, 1913, the day before Woodrow Wilson's inauguration, with the stands ready on the east front.Bain News Service, Library of Congress · LC-B2- 2506-1 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

Wide view of the Capitol's east front with troops drawn up in the plaza — March 4, 1913 Woodrow Wilson arrives at the Capitol for his inauguration, March 4, 1913, as troops line the East Plaza.Bain News Service, Library of Congress · LC-B2- 2500-41 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

Columns of cadets in grey marching in front of the Capitol — March 4, 1913 West Point and Culver cadets march across the Capitol plaza on Wilson's inauguration day, 1913.Bain News Service, Library of Congress · LC-B2- 2500-42 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

An open carriage with two men in top hats, mounted escort around it — March 4, 1913 Taft and Wilson ride to the Capitol in an open carriage, March 4, 1913. place probableBain News Service, Library of Congress · LC-B2- 2504-5 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

Hundreds of women in white gathered on the Capitol's steps — 1914 Suffragists in white fill the Capitol steps, 1914.Harris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H261- 3901 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

A large crowd of men on the steps of the Capitol's columned wing, bicycles nearby — 1914 A crowd in straw boaters packs the Capitol steps to hear "General" Jacob Coxey speak in 1914.Harris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H261- 3957 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

Three women holding banners on a street corner in front of a large stone building — c. 1909–20 Suffrage pickets with banners stand outside the Senate Office Building.National Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F81- 3874 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

The Capitol dome at the end of a wide paved walk lined with bare trees — c. 1910–20 Two men walk along a broad, tree-lined terrace toward the Capitol dome.Detroit Publishing Company, Library of Congress · LC-D4-72985 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

A large crowd in front of a decorated stand on the Capitol steps — 1913 or 1917 Woodrow Wilson reads his inaugural address on the Capitol's east front before a vast crowd.Date checked: The Library's 1918–1920 cannot be right: Wilson read his inaugural addresses on March 4, 1913 and March 5, 1917.National Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F8- 3143 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

A photographer beside a large camera on a tripod in front of the Capitol — c. 1913–17 A press photographer with his camera on a tripod at the Capitol, 1910s.Harris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H261- 2174-B [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

Uniformed men with drums marching on a wet plaza beneath the Capitol's columns — c. 1910–20 A band and marchers in uniform pass below the steps of the Capitol on a wet day, a crowd watching from the portico.Harris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H261- 999999-O [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

The lit Capitol dome at night reflected in a still pool, lamps glowing around it — c. 1910–20 The floodlit Capitol dome glows at night, mirrored in a dark pool with street lamps along its rim.Harris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H25- 972 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

Hundreds of men in dark suits assembled on the broad steps beneath a columned portico — c. 1910–20 The War Congress gathered in ranks on the steps of the Capitol's House wing, late 1910s.Harris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H25- 2421 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

An old bearded man waving a flag from a high balcony beside children and veterans — 1915 A white-bearded Grand Army veteran waves a flag from the Capitol's west gallery during the 1915 encampment, the city spread out below.Harris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H261- 5630-A [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

The Capitol dome above a snowy plaza and bare trees — c. 1909–23 The Capitol after a snowfall, with people on the cleared walks.National Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F81- 63 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

High view over trees to the Capitol and its dome, the Washington Monument in the distance — c. 1909–23 The Capitol's east front and dome seen from the Library of Congress across the treetops, the Washington Monument far beyond.National Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F81- 86 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

Horsemen and open cars among a crowd in front of the Capitol and its dome — c. 1914–18 Mounted police and motor cars move through a cheering crowd on the Capitol plaza during a rally.Harris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H261- 8541-B [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

Men on scaffolding beside carved marble figures high on a building — 1916 Sculptors and workmen on the scaffold as the new pediment sculpture is installed on the House wing of the Capitol, 1916.Harris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H261- 4946 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

The Capitol dome rising over trees and a wide lawn — c. 1916 The Capitol and its east lawn from the Library of Congress side, about 1916.Harris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H261- 5909 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

A long line of women with flags curving across a wide plaza, cars and trees beyond — 1916 A long column of suffragists with flags winds across the Capitol plaza in their 1916 march on Congress, watched by onlookers and mounted police.Harris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H261- 6141 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

Men in hats seated on an open monorail car hanging from an overhead track — 1916 Passengers ride the monorail subway car between the Capitol and the Senate, 1916.Harris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H261- 6330 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

A sculpted stone figure hanging from a derrick, workmen and marble statues beside it — 1916 A carved figure for Paul Bartlett's pediment on the House wing swings from a derrick high above the Capitol grounds, 1916.Harris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H261- 7626 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

A huge crowd in front of the Capitol and its dome, flags on the portico — 1917 A vast crowd fills the plaza before the Capitol's east front for Woodrow Wilson's second inauguration in 1917.National Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LOT 12281 [item] [P&P] LOT 12285 [item] · No known restrictions on publication

A large group of women on the broad steps of the Capitol — 1917 Suffragists gathered on the Capitol steps, 1917.National Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F81- 44563A [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

A procession of women with banners filing up the broad steps of the Capitol — 1917 Suffragists in white and dark robes climb the Capitol steps carrying tall banners, 1917.Harris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H261- 6607 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

Men carrying a coffin up broad steps of the Capitol, a hearse and policeman in the street — 1917 Bearers carry Admiral George Dewey's coffin up the steps into the Capitol in 1917, a horse-drawn hearse waiting below.Harris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H261- 6639 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

Ranks of soldiers on a wide plaza, horse-drawn carriages and spectators in front — 1917 Troops mass on the Capitol plaza as the 1917 inaugural parade forms, with carriages and onlookers in the foreground.Harris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H261- 6792 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

The Capitol dome in fog behind bare branches and tall lamp posts in the snow — 1917 The Capitol dome looms through winter mist above snowy grounds and ornate lamp posts, 1917.Harris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H261- 6804 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

A large crowd of men, women and children seated on the broad steps beneath the Capitol's columns — 1917 A crowd fills the Capitol's east steps for the Bible Society's open-air meeting of 1917, children in white at the front.Harris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H261- 7122 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

A massive empty stone pedestal with a bronze lion lying on a plinth beside it — 1917 Bronze lions crouch on the marble platform of the Grant Memorial below the Capitol in 1917, the pedestal still waiting for its statue.Harris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H261- 7991 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

A large crowd of men and women on the steps of the Capitol below its columns — 1917 Pacifists, many wearing white armbands, crowd the Capitol steps in 1917.Harris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H261- 8498 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

A domed glasshouse among trees — 1917 The Botanic Garden conservatory at the foot of the Capitol, 1917.Harris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H261- 9782 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

A smoking train passing freight cars in a rail yard, the Capitol dome in the distance — 1917 A steam train pulls past rows of boxcars in the railroad yards of Southeast, the Capitol dome rising beyond, 1917.Harris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H261- 10040 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

A crowd with mounted policemen on a plaza, women wearing sashes, a domed library behind — 1917 Mounted police move among a crowd of women in sashes and men on the Capitol plaza, April 2, 1917.Harris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H261- 2927 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

People gathered on the wide steps of the Capitol's wing — January 20, 1917 Crowds on the Senate steps of the Capitol for the funeral of Admiral George Dewey in January 1917.Bain News Service, Library of Congress · LC-B2- 4115-4 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

A dense crowd before a stand hung with flags at the Capitol's portico — March 5, 1917 The inaugural stand on the Capitol's east front at Woodrow Wilson's second inauguration, March 5, 1917.National Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F82- 502 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

Small groups of people scattered across a lawn under bare trees — April 2, 1917 Pacifist demonstrators on the Capitol grounds, April 2, 1917, the day President Wilson asked Congress to declare war.Bain News Service, Library of Congress · LC-B2- 4173-12 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

Crowd and parked cars at the foot of the Capitol dome — April 3, 1917 Pacifists gather at the Capitol in April 1917, as Congress debated the declaration of war.Bain News Service, Library of Congress · LC-B2- 4173-11 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

The Capitol dome lit up brightly against a black night sky — April 4, 1917 The Capitol dome floodlit at night, April 1917, as Congress sat late over the declaration of war.Bain News Service, Library of Congress · LC-B2- 4174-6 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

A row of massive columns along a balcony, the Capitol dome above trees in the distance — c. 1910–25 The Capitol dome rises over the trees beyond the long colonnade of the Senate Office Building.National Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F82- 915 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

An ornate cast-iron fountain among gardens — c. 1917–18 The Bartholdi Fountain in the Botanic Garden at the foot of Capitol Hill, 1917-18.Harris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H261- 9201 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

Women in long draped robes and a child posed on broad stone steps — 1918 Women in flowing robes, one cradling a baby, pose on the Capitol steps in a Fourth of July tableau, 1918.Harris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H261- 29478 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

Crowds and cars in front of the Capitol's east front — 1918 Visitors and motor cars on the Capitol plaza, 1918.Harris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H261- 29794 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

A small old wooden house behind a picket fence — c. 1918–20 An old frame house at 9th Street and Maryland Avenue NE on Capitol Hill, about 1919. place probableNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F8- 2538 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

Women in white with banners on the Capitol steps — c. 1918–20 Suffragists with banners at the Capitol, about 1919.National Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F8- 3142 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

A row of women in hats and sashes standing among tall columns — 1919 Suffragists on the Capitol steps, 1919, the year Congress passed the Nineteenth Amendment.Harris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H261- 30380 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

A large crowd of men in straw hats on a wide plaza, trees beyond — 1919 A crowd in straw boaters gathers on the Capitol plaza for a "wets" demonstration against Prohibition in 1919.Harris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H261- 30421 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

Aerial view of the Capitol and its grounds — 1919 The Capitol and its grounds from the air, 1919.Harris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H261- 30454 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

A crowd of people and a car beside the Capitol — 1919 A crowd gathers at the foot of the Capitol steps, 1919.Harris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H261- 30767 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

Lines of uniformed Marines marching in front of the Capitol and its dome — 1919 Marines drill on the plaza before the Capitol's east front in 1919.Harris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H261- 30787 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

Performers in white robes and dark dress lining both sides of the Capitol steps — c. 1915–23 Ranks of pageant performers in white and dark costumes line both sides of the Capitol's broad steps, arms raised.Harris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H27- A-178 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

Trees and the Capitol reflected in a large puddle on the lawn — c. 1915–23 Bare trees reflected in a broad sheet of standing water on the Capitol grounds, the Senate wing beyond.Harris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H27- A-481 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

A costumed crowd with flags on the Capitol steps, men dressed as Lincoln and Washington in front — c. 1915–23 Performers costumed as Lincoln, Washington and figures of the founding era lead a crowded pageant down the Capitol steps, late 1910s or early 1920s.Harris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H27- A-1155 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

A man on a tall ladder against a large bronze equestrian statue — c. 1915–23 A workman on a ladder works at the bronze rider of the Ulysses S. Grant Memorial below the Capitol, early 1920s.Harris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H27- A-2190 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

A man beside a large bronze head with a feathered helmet — c. 1918–21 A workman beside the head of the Statue of Freedom, taken down from the Capitol dome, about 1920.National Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F81- 9390 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

A corner shop in an ornate brick building with a car outside — c. 1920 William Hahn & Co.'s shoe store at 233 Pennsylvania Avenue SE, on Capitol Hill, about 1920. place probableNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LOT 12359-6A [item] [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

A bronze equestrian statue suspended from a derrick over a stone pedestal — 1920 The bronze of Ulysses S. Grant on horseback is hoisted onto its pedestal at the foot of Capitol Hill, 1920. place probableNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F8- 10257 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

An equestrian statue on a tall pedestal with the Capitol dome behind it — 1920 The newly installed Grant statue stands before the Capitol dome, 1920. place probableNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F8- 10490 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

Fire engines and a crowd in front of the Capitol's columned wing — 1920 Fire engines and onlookers on the Capitol plaza below the Senate wing, 1920, the day of a fire at the Capitol.National Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F8- 11074 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

A man leaning back with a rope while a crowd watches beside a bus — c. 1920–21 A strongman pulls a bus with his teeth in front of the Capitol, about 1921.Harris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H234- A-3437 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

Boys throwing snowballs in the snow in front of the Capitol dome — c. 1909–32 Senate page boys pelt each other with snowballs on the Capitol plaza below the dome.National Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LOT 12351-3 [item] [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

A great crowd seen from above under bare trees — 1921 Crowds fill the Capitol grounds, 1921.National Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F8- 12423 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

The Capitol dome and wing with timber and wagons in front — 1921 The first lumber arrives at the Capitol for Harding's inaugural stands, 1921.National Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F81- 11347 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

A crowded stand decorated with bunting and flags, a speaker at the centre — 1921 Warren Harding delivers his inaugural address from the stand on the Capitol's east front, March 4, 1921.National Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F81- 12363 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

A dense crowd moving through a park among bare trees — 1921 Crowds leave the Capitol grounds after Harding's inauguration, 1921. place probableNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F81- 12375 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

The Capitol dome and wing above treetops — c. 1921 The Capitol seen over the trees from the roof of the House Office Building, about 1921.National Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F81- 14003 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

High view of a large square office building among trees — c. 1921 The House Office Building seen from the Capitol dome, about 1921.National Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F81- 14246 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

Workers and wooden stands in front of the Capitol's east front — January 8, 1921 Stands go up on the Capitol plaza for Warren Harding's inauguration, January 8, 1921.National Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F8- 11434 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

People around a large crate with a sculpture visible inside at a stone archway — February 5, 1921 The crated Suffrage Memorial, Adelaide Johnson's sculpture of Lucretia Mott, Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony, arrives at the Capitol, February 1921.National Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F8- 11907 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

A wrapped statue on a wooden ramp beside scaffolding at a columned building — February 12, 1921 The suffrage memorial statue is hauled up a timber ramp on the Capitol's east front, February 12, 1921. place probableNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F81- 11995 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

A crowded stand hung with bunting before the Capitol's columns — March 4, 1921 Warren Harding takes the oath from Chief Justice White on the Capitol's east front, March 4, 1921.National Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LOT 12285 [item] [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

A huge crowd before the Capitol's east front — March 4, 1921 Crowds pack the Capitol plaza for Warren Harding's inauguration, March 4, 1921.Date checked: The Library gives 1921; Harding's inauguration, which these crowds came for, was on March 4, 1921.National Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F81- 12374 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

High view of a crowd raising hats around touring cars on a curving drive — April 12, 1921 Onlookers doff their hats as President Harding's motor car arrives at the Capitol to deliver his first message to Congress, April 12, 1921.National Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F8- 13259 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

A motor car full of people in front of the Capitol's columns — September 21, 1921 Visitors in an open touring car in front of the Capitol, September 21, 1921.National Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F8- 15944 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

A touring car with women and a dog before the Capitol dome — September 21, 1921 Women and their dog in an open car in front of the Capitol, September 21, 1921.National Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F81- 15972 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

A temporary pavilion in front of the Capitol's columns — c. 1921–22 The inaugural stand built against the Capitol's east portico, 1921.National Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F81- 12230 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

Two workmen next to the huge bronze head of a statue with a starred, feathered helmet, high above a city — c. 1921–22 Two workmen perch beside the bronze face of the Statue of Freedom high on top of the Capitol dome, the city spread out far below, early 1920s.National Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F82- 6596 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

Cooks and men in caps around a table of meat in a stone arched passageway — c. 1921–22 Cooks in white aprons cut up meat at a table in an arched passage of the Capitol as uniformed men look on, 1921 or 1922.Harris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H234- A-3621 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

A broad spreading elm on a lawn — c. 1921–23 The Cameron Elm, one of the old trees on the Capitol grounds, early 1920s.Harris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H27- A-3581 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

A large crowd around an equestrian statue with a huge American flag hanging behind it — 1922 A crowd gathers at the Ulysses S. Grant Memorial below the Capitol in 1922, a huge flag draped behind the bronze horseman.Harris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H27- A-4372 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

Aerial view over snow-covered city blocks toward a distant dome — January 1922 Washington from the air after the snowfall of early 1922, looking toward the Capitol.Harris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H234- A-4027 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

A large early motor bus at the kerb with a passenger stepping out, the Capitol behind — February 1922 A Washington Rapid Transit Co. motor bus stops at the Capitol, early 1922.Harris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H234- A-4093 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

A small airplane at the bottom of broad steps of the Capitol, people watching — March 22, 1922 A man climbs into a small airplane parked at the foot of the Capitol steps, March 22, 1922, watched by onlookers.Harris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H234- A-4187 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

A small biplane in front of the Capitol steps, men in coats crowding round it — March 22, 1922 A small biplane sits on the Capitol plaza at the foot of the steps in March 1922, a flyer in leather coat shaking hands amid a crowd of onlookers.Harris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H234- A-4188 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

Men carrying big bundles of papers up steps through a dense crowd — May 2, 1922 Men carry bundles of a veterans' bonus petition, said to bear over a million signatures, up the crowded Capitol steps on May 2, 1922.National Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LOT 12294, v. 5 [item] [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

A dense crowd of men in hats with flags and banners, cars behind — May 2, 1922 Veterans with banners and flags crowd the Capitol for a bonus demonstration, May 1922.National Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F8- 18649 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

A long ladder against the columns of a dome — August 26, 1922 A ladder rigged against the Capitol dome's colonnade for repainting, August 26, 1922.National Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F81- 20207 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

A man painting on the curved ironwork of a dome far above the city — August 26, 1922 A painter works high on the ribs of the Capitol dome, August 26, 1922.National Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F81- 20206 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

A long three-storey building with a full-length porch and shop signs — c. 1918–28 The Old Capitol Hotel, a long galleried building with shops below, 1920s.National Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F82- 2733 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

A truck full of clowns with the Capitol dome behind — c. 1918–28 Clowns ride a Semmes Motor Company truck at the Capitol for a Liberty Loan drive.National Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F82- 2755 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

A Gothic church with two tall spires — c. 1918–28 Trinity Episcopal Church near the Capitol, its twin spires rising over the trees. place probableNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F82- 2833 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

Men on the broad Capitol steps below the dome — 1923 Speakers on the Capitol steps, 1923, with the dome rising behind.Harris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H234- A-7402 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

A long queue of people with umbrellas along a road leading to the Capitol dome — 1923 Mourners with umbrellas wait for hours in a long line toward the Capitol to view the remains of the late President, 1923.National Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LOT 12282, v. 2, p. 62 <item> [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

A small figure standing between massive columns looking out at a snowy scene — February 6, 1923 A lone figure between the columns of the Capitol looks out over the first snow of February 1923 toward the Library of Congress.National Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LOT 12295, v. 1 [item] [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

Men in suits shovelling earth round a sapling in front of the Capitol dome — April 1923 Men plant a young tree on the Capitol grounds in April 1923, the dome and Senate wing behind them.Harris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H234- A-5657 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

Boys throwing snowballs on a snowy lawn before the Capitol — December 14, 1923 Senate and House pages have a snowball fight below the Capitol dome, December 14, 1923.National Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F81- 27912 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

High view down a tree-lined street of parked cars past a long office building to the Capitol dome — 1924 The House Office Building and the Capitol dome above rows of parked cars along a tree-lined street, 1924.National Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F81- 30168 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

High view down over formal terraces and a fountain to a lawn and trees — c. 1924 Looking west from the Capitol over its terraces and fountain to the trees of the grounds and the city beyond, about 1924.National Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F81- 32140 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

Workmen with barrows in a long colonnaded corridor — 1924 Workmen tear up the Capitol corridor tiles laid in 1857, to be replaced with marble, 1924.Harris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H27- A-8685 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

A man in a suit swinging a bat on a lawn, boys catching and cheering, a stone building behind — March 26, 1924 Senator Pepper of Pennsylvania takes a turn at bat with the Senate pages on the Capitol grounds, March 26, 1924.Harris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H234- A-8049 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

View past columns over a packed crowd and stands at an inauguration — 1925 Calvin Coolidge delivers his inaugural address in 1925 to a vast crowd spread across the Capitol plaza, seen from between the portico columns.National Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F8- 34396 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

High view of a huge crowd and stands around a white pavilion, buildings beyond — 1925 The crowd fills the Capitol plaza around the inaugural stand for Coolidge's inauguration in 1925.National Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F8- 34430 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

High view of cars parked in painted lanes on a wide plaza bordered by trees — 1925 Freshly painted traffic markings guide the motor cars parked and turning on the Capitol Plaza in 1925.National Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F8- 37677 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

A speaker on a stand draped with flags before the Capitol's columns — 1925 Calvin Coolidge delivers his inaugural address on the Capitol's east front, March 4, 1925.National Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LOT 12340-1 <item> [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

Boys throwing snowballs in deep snow with the Capitol dome behind them — January 2, 1925 Senate pages fight a snowball battle on the Capitol grounds, January 2, 1925, with the dome behind.National Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F81- 33867 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

The Capitol dome and portico with lumber stacked on the plaza — February 2, 1925 Lumber for the inaugural stands piled before the Capitol, February 2, 1925.National Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F8- 34090 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

Wooden frames being built in rows on the plaza beside the Capitol — February 3, 1925 Rows of timber framing laid out on the Capitol plaza for Calvin Coolidge's inaugural stands, February 3, 1925.National Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F81- 34126 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

White-robed figures gathered on the Capitol steps — August 1925 Members of the Ku Klux Klan on the Capitol steps, August 1925.Harris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H234- A-9884 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

A man on a ladder against a huge tree trunk beside the Capitol — c. 1923–29 Tree surgeons at work on an old tree in the Capitol grounds, 1920s.Harris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H27- A-9816 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

A half-demolished hotel with bare roof timbers, the Capitol dome in the background — January 6, 1926 The roof of the old Capitol Hotel stripped to its rafters during demolition in January 1926, the Capitol dome rising behind. place probableNational Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LC-F8- 38942 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

A man silhouetted on a railing holding up an umbrella before the Capitol dome — April 20, 1926 Representative William D. Upshaw of Georgia, a leading \"dry\", stands on a railing holding an umbrella, with the Capitol dome behind, April 20, 1926.National Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress · LOT 12298 <item> [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

Rows of men and women in hats seated outdoors watching a performance — May 1926 Members of Congress crowd the Capitol plaza to watch Hopi dancers, May 1926.Harris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H2- B-166 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

A row of houses with their roofs torn off, seen from above — November 1927 Roofless houses on A Street NE after the tornado of November 1927 lifted their roofs into the street.Harris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H2- B-2335 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

The Capitol dome with a large flag flying beside it — November 1927 The flag is raised over the Capitol as Congress returns, December 1927.Harris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H2- B-2345 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

A man in a dark coat led by a dog crossing in front of a car, the Capitol dome behind — c. 1927–28 A man with a guide dog crosses the Capitol plaza in front of a waiting motor car, around 1927.Harris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H2- B-2446 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

Men carrying a flag-draped coffin up broad stone steps, parked cars and a building beyond — November 26, 1929 Bearers carry the flag-draped coffin of Senator Francis E. Warren up the Capitol steps, November 26, 1929, cars parked below.Harris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H2- B-3703 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

Fire trucks and searchlights beside the Capitol dome at night — January 4, 1930 Fire trucks and a ladder at the Capitol at night after a fire in a sculptor's studio, January 4, 1930.Harris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H2- B-3798 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

A rotor aircraft in the air in front of the Capitol dome — 1931 An autogiro flies low past the Capitol dome, 1931.Harris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H2- B-4767 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

An old-fashioned carriage pulled by horses before the Capitol — 1931 A horse-drawn carriage with liveried coachmen in front of the Capitol, 1931.Harris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H2- B-4780 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

A small blimp high in the sky above the Capitol dome — 1931 An airship passes over the Capitol dome, 1931.Harris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H2- B-4883 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

A huge crowd on the plaza below the Capitol's steps — 1932 Crowds fill the Capitol plaza for a ceremony, 1932.Harris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress · LC-H2- B-5058 [P&P] · No known restrictions on publication

Nearby: The Library of Congress · Union Station · Center Market · The Mall · Downtown and F Street