Virtual Roadtrip: U.S. Capitol Building Tour

One of the Most Recognizable Buildings in the World

Stop #23 on our Virtual Road Trip is the U.S. Capitol Building, in Washington, D.C.! Though the Senate Wing of the iconic U.S. Capitol Building was still under construction, the first session of the United States Congress was held in November of 1800. In 1814, shortly after both the House and Senate chamber were completed, the Capitol was partially burned by the British during The Battle of 1812. Fast forward a few years, and by 1820, the U.S. Capitol was rebuilt and Congress had a new office from which to govern the United States.

Today, you can tour the U.S. Capitol as a walk-up guest at the Visitor Center, or by contacting your local Senator or Representative. The guided tours are free and include stops in the Crypt, Rotunda, and National Statuary Hall. The only way to visit the Senate and House Galleries is by obtaining a separate pass from your Senator or Representative.

Did You Know? On September 18, 1793, President George Washington, along with a group of fellow Freemasons, laid the cornerstone of the U.S. Capitol. Not included on the tour and located two stories below the Rotunda is an empty burial chamber, intended to be the final resting place of George Washington.

Travel Tip: The Capitol Visitor Center, the U.S. Capitol’s main entrance, is located beneath the East Front Plaza of the building at First Street and East Capitol Street. You can purchase tickets in advance for a specific time, but same day tours are generally available. Prior to your tour, spend some time watching the brief orientation film and exploring the exhibits in the Visitor Center, including architectural models and details of the renovations and improvements to the building.

Following the Connection

One of the most prominent statues of the National Statuary Hall Collection at the Capitol is in the Visitor Center. It was donated by the state of Hawaii and depicts King Kamehameha I in bronze. There is an exact replica of this statue in front of the Judiciary Building in downtown Honolulu, considered the most-photographed attraction across all of Hawaii. Our next stop is Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site, Hawaii, to see the ruins of the last major ancient Hawaiian temple.

Next Stop: Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site, Hawaii

Detour: The beautiful grounds of the U.S. Capitol Building were designed by the founder of American landscape architecture, Frederick Law Olmstead. You can visit the Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site in Brookline, Massachusetts. The museum includes “Fairsted,” the world’s first professional office for the practice of landscape design.

Plan Your Trip

Washington, D.C., is a world class and easy-to-navigate city full of free museums, diverse neighborhoods, and an excellent culinary scene. You could spend a lifetime discovering hidden gems around the city. Here are some recommendations from the travel desk at Check-it-Off Travel to consider while planning your trip.