Talk:United States Capitol/Archive 1

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Archive 1

Lady Freedom

The statue on top of the Capitol building's dome is Lady Freedom.

Well, "the Statue of Freedom" or "Freedom" according to http://www.aoc.gov/cc/art/freedom.htm.
--wwoods 20:14, 9 Jun 2004 (UTC)
Can anyone find a good quality photo of this statue? Chadlupkes 20:01, 29 December 2005 (UTC)

Can anyone add anything about the Frieze of American History that is the on the dome when you walk inside. It is a great work of art and has a great story about the man who ended up painting it. --198.8.16.1 10:57, 3 Jan 2005 (UTC)

images

Right now this page has four images of the present dome, and a fifth showing it under construction. But there are no pictures of the original Bulfinch dome. If anybody has access to historical pictures, it would be great to swap one in....Doops | talk 07:12, 17 July 2005 (UTC)

Anthem

Can anyone tell me the name of the tune that the bells play at the US Capitol? Pigeonshouse 20:16, 1 October 2005 (UTC)

PS I don't mean Ding Dong Ding Dong! I;m sure when I was walking past it, that it started to play a patriotic American song. Pigeonshouse 20:47, 6 October 2005 (UTC)

Oh, so you're not talking about the "bells" which are used to call Congress to vote. There are bells outdoors? (SEWilco 04:38, 7 October 2005 (UTC))
There are no bells on the Capitol itself. The music comes from the Robert A. Taft Memorial and Carillon [1], located across Constitution Avenue from the Capitol, but still on Capitol Grounds. In addition to chiming the quarter-hours, it plays a variety of patriotic and folk tunes — everything from the service songs ("Anchors Aweigh," etc.) to "I Dream of Jeannie with the Light Brown Hair." As SEWilco pointed out, there are bells inside to let folks know what's happening on the floors of the House and Senate. - Virginian74 13:17, 26 October 2005 (UTC)

Lying in State

In the article there is a partial list of those who have lain in state in the Rotunda of the Capitol, which includes Officer Chestnut and Detective Gibson, who were shot in the Capitol in 1998. However, they did not lay in state, they lay in honor. They were not due a state funeral, so they could not lie in state. I'm fairly new here, so I'll let one of the more experience hands make the change to the article. A couple of references are from CNN [2] and Slate [3] - Virginian74 14:02, 26 October 2005 (UTC)


Did not Gerald R Ford lie in state? And if so should he not be included on the list? Mashtato (talk) 19:31, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

He did and he should. ~ (The Rebel At) ~ 01:55, 12 June 2008 (UTC)

Razings/Seiges

How many times has the capitol been attacked during wartime? I have some who say 3x, the war of 1812, American Revolution, & Civil War but I'm having trouble finding corraboritive stuff. Anyone got a definite answer? --Duemellon 17:16, 23 November 2005 (UTC)

Once. During the War of 1812 the British invaded Washington and, on August 24, 1814, burned the Capitol, White House and othfer public buildings. The Capitol wasn't constructed until after the Revolutionary War, and the Confederate army didn't enter the City of Washington during the War Between the States. Washington was never attacked during the Mexican or Spanish-American wars, nor during World War I or II or any later wars. Virginian74 16:04, 28 November 2005 (UTC)


Technically, during the attack on the capitol in 1814, the White House wasn't there. The building that was to become the White House was attacked and partially burned, becoming the White House later on. Kebbe7 18:32, 4 February 2008

Renovation?

Have there been any renovations for the Capitol in the 20th Century, and will there be any renovations in the near future?

As mentioned in the main article, the East Front was extended in the late 1950's and early 1960's which provided additional office space and provided a more stable visual base to the dome. In the early 1990's, the courtyards inside the west terrace buildings were filled in with new meeting rooms and office space. Also in the 1990's the painting "Apotheosis of Washington" that occupies the interior of the top of the dome was renovated. Renovations to the building's historical artwork (which includes a vast amount of decorated wall and ceiling spaces), and the mechanical, electrical, communications and ventilation systems go on almost continuously. Virginian74 20:35, 17 February 2006 (UTC)

Flags

From 2 to 4 flags fly over the capitol daily. How often do they change them? Must be very often since it's so easy to obtain one that has been flown there. Sen. Ted Steven's site offers them for sale from $13.05 plus $4.00 shipping. Do they really fly NYLON ones?? Yopienso 05:08, 4 April 2006 (UTC)

As a Hill staffer, I did once ask an employee of the capitol building. He said they raise it and count to three or four and bring it down, so not much actual flying time. As to the types of flags you can order different sizes and materials, so both Cotton and Nylon are flown.--Themanfromlamancha 15:04, 6 July 2006 (UTC)

Thanks for your response, Quixote. Yopienso 03:10, 24 July 2006 (UTC)

Note that you're very unlikely to get a flag flown on one of the 4 visible flag poles. They have short, "production line", flagpoles on the roof that are out of sight from the ground (see article). I wonder if the article needs a spoiler or disillusionment warning.--J Clear 00:14, 25 July 2006 (UTC)

"Capitol" vs. "Capitol Building"

I was always taught that the phrase "capitol building" is a redundant expression, as a capitol is by definition a building. I can understand using it in spoken discussions due to the homonym "capital", but not in a written article. — Eoghanacht talk 13:27, 4 April 2006 (UTC)

→In many contexts the two terms may be interchangable, but "the Capitol" can also refer to the whole Capitol complex (that is, the Capitol Building itself, plus the six main office buildings and other congressional departments on Capitol Hill). Also, "Capitol" can be used to refer to the congress in much the same way "the White House" can mean the president (eg. 'The White House called for swift passage of the bill, but there's been no response from the Capitol'). Liffer 09:09, 3 December 2006 (UTC)


there is no way there are 365 steps leading up to the capitol building. Is there a cite for that?141.154.140.63 20:25, 19 April 2006 (UTC)dennis

Ben Franklin

I'm not sure if this is in/should be in a different article, but I remember hearing something about Ben Franklinfinding a spot under the dome of the capitol and at that precise spot you could hear the whispers across the room, which caused his political opponents to believe he was a very skilled politician when he was really just a very clever person. sorrry i dont have a credible source for this, a teacher told me, but if any of you guys do know a source you should definitly put it in the article. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 68.37.137.178 (talk • contribs) 17:46, 23 April 2006

Benjamin Franklin died in 1790, well before construction of the Capitol even began. —Zero Gravitas 02:18, 24 April 2006 (UTC)
The anecdote you're referring to takes place in National Statuary Hall, I believe. KevinPuj 15:04, 14 May 2006 (UTC)
It was John Quincy Adams and definately Statutary Hall. They have markers on the floor that show you where the spots are and at one JQA had his desk Cranor 18:07 UTC May 14 2006

$50 bill

The Capitol is depicted on the reverse of the U.S. $50 bill.

This was in the "Features" section. Since it is not a feature of the Capitol itself, I moved it here. Perhaps this tidbit could be worked in somewhere else in the article. - furrykef (Talk at me) 02:50, 8 October 2006 (UTC)

Height

I'm looking but I'm not seeing any indication here of how TALL the building is. --Golbez 22:21, 30 November 2006 (UTC)

Request for plan

Any chance anyone could add a plan? Wilchett 05:03, 10 December 2006 (UTC)

2nd-to-last paragraph in the "Present Capitol" section

This section is written in a British dialect of English. Should it be re-written in American English, given the subject matter of the article? Words in the paragraph include "queue" (in reference to a line of people), "thence", "whereupon", "massive" —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 75.212.186.1 (talk) 05:48, 10 December 2006 (UTC).

Statue

I don't see any mention of the statue on the capitol building's very apex. I've read that it is of Persephone, goddess of the underworld, but know very little other than that. Wujamie 11:48, 19 January 2007 (UTC)

The US declared independence in 1776, and this was recognized by the British in 1783. What happened in 1780 for it to be considered the "year of American independence" Bastie 16:07, 20 January 2007 (UTC)

Capitol Image

The small image in the right column of what purports to be the Capitol in 1800 is, I'm pretty sure, the White House just before its first occupants arrived in 1800 and before its staircases were installed. I do not believe the Presiden't House was ever used as a gathering place for legislators. This image is available at the Library of Congress. CORRECTION-- I WAS MISTAKEN. IT IS THE NORTH WING OF THE CAPITOL . THE IMAGE IS CORRECT


71.165.27.69 16:59, 23 March 2007 (UTC)

Some Questions about the Capitol

The article does not tell us what the capitol was made of: marble, limestone, steel, bricks ...a combination of these? It only mentions the dome, which is made of cast iron. Also, does this ediface conform to a specific style of architecture such as Neo-Classical or Baroque? In my own observations, the East Front is more ornate (note the pediments over the columned porticos) than the West Front.Buddmar 23:38, 22 May 2007 (UTC)buddmar

masonic architecute of capitol hill?

http://www.incapabledesetaire.com/edito/secretwash.htm this website proves that the entire Washington dc area and the capitol hill is masonic and is actually a calender which ends in dec 23 2007. do add it in the article manchurian candidate 14:09, 6 June 2007 (UTC)

And have à look at the owl! http://forums.gamershell.com/index.php?act=ST&f=17&t=13165 here: owl at capitol hill
This is not notable and should not be inthe article, but I've reverted you twice and don't want to be acused of 3RR, so I'll let someone else deal with it.
Reverted. A gaming forum, first, is no place to be locating cites for edits concerning the United States Capitol. Second, the poster of the information on that site makes several inaccuracies, such as stating that the Statue of Freedom is a statue of Persephone, and placing its creation in the 20th century, when it was 1865. So lets not perpetuate ignorant statements here. ~ (The Rebel At) ~ 16:04, 19 August 2007 (UTC)

Live Shots of Capitol Hill

Hi, EarthCam has a cool webcam that shows live views of the Capitol Building and the surrounding grounds. I think it would be a great link to add the the External Links section, but as an employee of EarthCam, I really can't be objective. I was hoping a third party would consider adding the link. Thanks!
TelcontarOfBree 17:53, 7 June 2007 (UTC)

You'd be surprised how many "great links" poeple would like to add. We don't have room for all of them, and we're not a link directory. Thanks anyway. ·:·Will Beback ·:· 18:36, 7 June 2007 (UTC)

Article re-organization

Looking over the article, I feel like it could be better organized. For example, rather than throw a list of former capitols at the reader, we should launch right into the history of the present Capitol building. Place the list at the end of the article, as the subject material is not relevant to the focus of the article which is the present Capitol building. Long lists also serve to disrupt the article, such as the long list for the House chamber, could this be better placed in the article, re-structured, or even removed and placed on an article page specifically for the House chamber? Not to mention the absence of any information on the Senate chamber makes the article appear unfinished and incomplete. Other than the above, the actual construction history of the building needs to be expanded and clarified, something I'll attempt to do that doesn't require input like the re-organization. ~ (The Rebel At) ~ 15:37, 10 June 2007 (UTC)

We now have a link to the "List of U.S. capitals" in the section, which includes all the information from the list on this page. Let's get rid of the list and make that the main article link. --Aude (talk) 15:49, 10 June 2007 (UTC)

1998 Shooting, Calhoun statue

After reading the Wiki article, and several of the referenced articles for the 1998 shooting, I cannot find much evidence that actually places the shooting in the Crypt, itself. The shooting appears to have happened in a corridor adjacent to the Crypt. Can anyone find any evidence at all that supports that the John C. Calhoun statue WAS hit by stray bullets during the shooting? Right now, I'm doubting this story, and unfortunately, there are plenty false stories about the Capitol, and this may be one of them. If this does prove false, it should be removed from the article. I will ask around tomorrow to find out more at work. I do know that there is a memorial plaque to the two officers located in a hallway around the corner from the Crypt. ~ (The Rebel At) ~ 00:11, 30 June 2007 (UTC)

After some personal investigation, speaking with folks who were working at the Capitol at the time, it turns out Calhoun's statue was in the area of the shooting and later moved to the crypt. This, thus explains the issue that had me boggled. ~ (The Rebel At) ~ 21:12, 7 July 2007 (UTC)

Inspiration

Could someone who know the history of this building check out this edit here [4]. Thanks Giano 18:36, 7 July 2007 (UTC)

When I head into work on Monday, I'll check our reference library to see if I can offer better clarification on the matter of Thorton's inspiration. ~ (The Rebel At) ~ 21:17, 7 July 2007 (UTC)
I took it out. Can't find any sources, including in various books I have, nor by searching on Google Books and elsewhere. If someone finds a reliable source for it, we can restore that edit. --Aude (talk) 21:25, 7 July 2007 (UTC)
Don't worry - I doubt you will find a reliable source for it. Giano 21:27, 7 July 2007 (UTC)
Agree. His inspiration for the design, appears to be the Pantheon for the center portion of the design, as well as the east front of the Louvre. [5] --Aude (talk) 21:39, 7 July 2007 (UTC)
I also have concerns about the Barbaro family article. As noted on User talk:Tiki-two, I found some problematic, non-notable articles created by the user which needed to be speedy deleted. Some of the material in the article looked dubious to me, but I don't know enough to really deal with the article. --Aude (talk) 21:50, 7 July 2007 (UTC)
I don't think you are the only one with concerns there :-) Giano 21:52, 7 July 2007 (UTC)
Problem averted, I'll rest easy on Monday, then! ~ (The Rebel At) ~ 14:25, 8 July 2007 (UTC)


Cites

Anybody have cites for the first paragraph of the Security section? Murderbike (talk) 17:17, 29 November 2007 (UTC)

I think I've cleared up the issue of responsibility for the 1983 bombing. The article originally stated that the John Brown Anti-Klan Committee was responsible, but the group that claimed responsibility was actually the Armed Resistance Unit. Three members of the group later pleaded guilty. There was certainly some overlap in membership, but it's not quite accurate to say that the JBAKC was responsible. However, six members of the group were found in contempt for refusing to testify in the case. Unfortunately, the stories are pre-Internet, so the original sources are only available on paper or through Lexis/Nexus.Mycota 16:58, 30 November 2007 (UTC)

the "front" of the Capitol

According to the professional Capitol tour guides, it is not correct to state that either side of the Capitol is the "front." The west front, however, is the side that was designed for receiving important visitors to the Capitol, and it is the site of the presidential inauguration ceremonies. Moreover, L'Enfant chose this location for the Capitol because of its commanding view of the National Mall. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 143.231.249.141 (talk) 21:30, 29 January 2008 (UTC)

Building Height in DC

I've heard that the US capitol building is used as a reference for the maximum height of buildings allowed in the DC area (none may exceed it) with special exceptions (Washington Monument), and this is why there are no 1000' skyscrapers in DC. I haven't been able to find any good references online, so I'm not sure if this is true or not, or what the laws are governing building height in DC. If there are any, it might be interesting to put on the page, here or at Washington DC -- atropos235 ✄ (blah blah, my past) 22:09, 10 March 2008 (UTC)

I recall it as a figure based on the width of the streets - unrelated to the Capitol. Tedickey (talk) 22:27, 10 March 2008 (UTC)
That is correct. Its a calculation based off the width of the streets.~ (The Rebel At) ~ 23:46, 10 March 2008 (UTC)

Capitol vs. Capital

Since there appears to be confusion:

Cap·i·tol Audio Help /ˈkæpɪtl/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[kap-i-tl] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation

–noun 1. the building in Washington, D.C., used by the Congress of the U.S. for its sessions.

2. (often lowercase) a building occupied by a state legislature.

cap·i·tal1 Audio Help /ˈkæpɪtl/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[kap-i-tl] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation

–noun 1. the city or town that is the official seat of government in a country, state, etc.: Tokyo is the capital of Japan.

2. a city regarded as being of special eminence in some field of activity: New York is the dance capital of the world.

Before 1800, at least eight other buildings and eight other cities have hosted Congress, going back to the First Continental Congress. Since the ratification of the United States Constitution, Congress has only met in two other buildings. The capitol/capital was first located in New York, with Congress meeting in City Hall (Federal Hall) from 1785 to 1790. Philadelphia served as the Capitol/Capital from 1790 to 1800. During that time, Congress met at the Philadelphia County Building (Congress Hall).

I think the argument here is based entirely on a mix up on the inference of the words used and the situation. Since this article is about the United States Capitol, not Capital, and this paragraph is referring to earlier capitol buildings, I think its clear that the first line concerns the building, not the seat of state. The first line, I believe, is obviously referring to the building that Congress met in, in New York, hence, the capitol of the time. The second one, I believe should be Capital, since its modifying Philadelphia as the Capital of the nation (a fact I overlooked earlier and was incorrect in changing the latter word, my apologies on that one). I'll be making the edit to reflect the rationale of above, if it appears wrong, please offer your own logic here to reflect any change. In fact, I'll simply modify the paragraph to be clearer.~ (The Rebel At) ~ 22:48, 8 April 2008 (UTC)

A lot of words to gloss over the fact that you've decided to reword the sentence to prop up your POV. Start by finding reliable sources to support it. Tedickey (talk) 23:20, 8 April 2008 (UTC)
First, nice way to dismiss my discussion of what I did and why I did it and not address any of the points raised. Second, reliable source provided. More so, this is a discussion of grammar, what the noun capitol is, not if or not capitol was used as a title. Regardless, I found you a publication from the Architect of the Capitol with the building in New York referred to as "capitol."~ (The Rebel At) ~ 00:21, 9 April 2008 (UTC)
While I'm appreciative that you opted to retain the edit, I'm completely baffled by your methodology. Requesting a source from 1790 where someone referred to the building as a capitol is completely irrational. If applied to any form of modern historical study of any subject, it would prevent any reference to or description of any subject that was not contemporary to that subject. I.E., you could not write about Independence Hall as Independence Hall until it was labeled such. If the sentence in dispute concerned if Congress at that time called the Federal Hall the U.S. capitol, then a cite to a source from the 19th century would be suitable. However, that is not the case, as the sentence is simple describing Federal Hall per its purpose as the gathering place of Congress, which would make it a capitol. If the Architect of the Capitol, recognizably one of the top experts on the history of our nation's capitols claims it as such, that is more than sufficient for the case.~ (The Rebel At) ~ 12:12, 9 April 2008 (UTC)
But the Architect of the Capitol will always use "capitol" even in cases where other sources will use the location or prevailing nomenclature for the building. The original sentence was reasonably neutral, was easily understood by most readers, and did not make claims about the thinking (or evolved thought) of the people building the US Capitol. Tedickey (talk) 12:43, 9 April 2008 (UTC)
The Architect of the Capitol is easily considered one of the top authorities on the issue, the very fact that he uses it is controlling. It isn't a POV of an editor, but the NPOV on the subject. For the same reason, why David McCullough would be considered a top expert on John Adams. More so, the other sentence was not neutral or easily understood, or there would have been no confusion arising from the matter to begin with. The new sentence clearly delineates the status of the Federal Hall as a capitol, and notes Philadelphia as a capital, and location of yet another capitol. Otherwise, the very paragraph heading, "Previous Capitols" would need to be changed to "Previous Capitals." More so, if it were Capitals, then it would be re-located to the article on Washington, D.C., as the nation's capital.~ (The Rebel At) ~ 15:22, 9 April 2008 (UTC)

U.S. Capitol Facilities

When the article describes the facilities of the Capitol available to members of Congress, it lists the swimming pool, the barber shop, etc. It also says that there is a "massage parlot" in the building. I know that the writer meant a place serviced by professional masseurs, but this was a poor choice of words.

Frazzledguy (talk) 13:12, 20 June 2008 (UTC)

"Giuseppe Franzoni" jefferson

There's enough English-language commentary that a modern Italian commentary doesn't seem to offer any value here. Tedickey (talk) 10:55, 18 November 2008 (UTC)

The problem is that in the text in wikipedia there are not enough informations about Philip Mazzei call of Italian Marble workers for Thomas Jefferson in 1805. While this publication well describe who did what in the Capitol! —Preceding unsigned comment added by Wotansuomi (talk • contribs) 16:03, 18 November 2008 (UTC)

I googled yesterday for Franzoni, found at least a dozen usable articles in English. The Italian link is not useful here - bear in mind WP:EL Tedickey (talk) 21:33, 18 November 2008 (UTC)
Starting with Wikipedia, there's a topic for Philip Mazzei. google finds 11,000 hits for him, and that's in English. Tedickey (talk) 21:43, 18 November 2008 (UTC)


If you think so it's ok. It could be useful if you insert some of the dozen english articles about Franzoni! —Preceding unsigned comment added by Wotansuomi (talk • contribs) 09:37, 19 November 2008 (UTC)

Images

It would be nice to have more images of the capitol as it changed over time, particularly the early versions. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 160.39.35.50 (talk) 14:26, 10 August 2009 (UTC)

Click on the Commons link at the end of the article. APK that's not my name 22:29, 10 August 2009 (UTC)

Security and Richard Lawrence

The paragraph (which is pasted from the Andrew Jackson topic) doesn't really fit there. A little more fitting (but still...) would be the attack on Charles Sumner by Preston Brooks Tedickey (talk) 01:57, 10 November 2009 (UTC)

Move to "US Capitol"?

Opinions are requested at Wikipedia:Requests for comment/Naming conventions for United States federal buildings, which affects this article, which would be moved to US Capitol in accordance with an abbreviated standard, as the NRHP uses. Cheers! bd2412 T 19:13, 17 July 2010 (UTC)

Redirect: The Capitol

Hi there. Just wondering if anyone with a more thorough knowledge of the history of this page than I thinks that the redirect "The Capitol", which currently leads to this article, ought to do so, or if a redirect to the disambiguation page Capitol makes more sense.

As I see this talk page isn't very active, I'll be making the change myself in the next few days if anyone doesn't object. Thanks! Evanh2008 (talk) (contribs) 09:12, 26 April 2012 (UTC)

Prohibided Items

I removed the prohibited items list from the Security section because the reference pointed to a PDF that doesn't exist anymore and the list doesn't match what is currently listed on the US Capitol website. Furthermore lists like this are dubious because there are always exceptions, the passage read:

The Capitol bans weapons, battery operated devices (though cameras and cellular phones are allowed), recording devices, large bags, cans, bottles, creams, perfumes, strollers, food, beverages and knives in the Capitol Visitor Center.

Capitol Police carry weapons, most watches are battery operated, every member of the press has a recording device, members and staff eat, drink, and carry large bags with cosmetics in the building. Limiting the list to the Visitor Center is also a POV aimed at tourists not encyclopediodic readers.--Yanofsky (talk) 03:47, 11 December 2012 (UTC)

"Better" picture??

User:Jkadavoor recently did an overhaul of the pictures in this article. For the main picture, I actually think I liked the old one better. Like, significantly better. It's brighter, more detailed. Here is the diff: [6]

I dunno, it's sorta lame to split hairs over this. If I don't hear anything in a couple of days, I might be WP:BOLD and revert. --24.93.29.60 (talk) 16:35, 18 October 2013 (UTC)

Feel free to revert; if you think so. IMHO, the picture I replaced is very overexposed; no details on white parts. The picture I added is a recent FP in Commons. JKadavoor Jee 16:51, 18 October 2013 (UTC)

Night Time Shot of the Capitol

I prefer that shot to the current shot. Who else has an opinion on this? RedFowl —Preceding unsigned comment added by 76.91.0.43 (talk) 22:10, 7 April 2010 (UTC)

It's blurry as noted. There are many nighttime shots which are readily available that are useable. This is not one of them. Tedickey (talk) 22:15, 7 April 2010 (UTC)

the state capital is the best i can say so many things about it! —Preceding unsigned comment added by 75.48.44.13 (talk) 23:22, 4 May 2010 (UTC)

the state capital is awsome it is was the laws are made and other stuff but anyway it it the best place you can go!!!!!!!!!!:-) —Preceding unsigned comment added by 75.48.44.13 (talk) 23:24, 4 May 2010 (UTC)

I think the nightime shot of the Capitol is pretty good. When I looked the the shot with the caption "At night," it seemed pretty appealing to me with the dusk in the background. Samb338 (talk) 04:04, 17 October 2013 (UTC)

I think you are talking about the new night shot. They all (including File:US Capitol west side.JPG and File:US Capitol east side.JPG) are new, recently promoted FPs at Commons. JKadavoor Jee 04:49, 17 October 2013 (UTC)
Yes, I am talking about the new night shot. Thanks. Samb338 (talk) 20:08, 18 October 2013 (UTC)

"Current" picture

I had today replaced the photo (lead) that is on the page with one of what the building looks like, and will look like for the next 3 years of renovation. I, as a visitor had looked at THIS wiki and expected the capitol that is shown in the photo, but due to construction no one will see that for the next 3 years, according to the Capitol Police. I propose that we use the photo that shows the building, with the construction assembly in place and, in 2017, when the construction is over, I am sure someone will have a nice pic to post in place of the one taken today.

United States Capitol November 11, 2014

talk→ WPPilot  02:45, 12 November 2014 (UTC)

First, you gave no explanation for the replacement, which is partly why I reverted, especially when you unilaterally change the primary, infobox image. Secondly, the picture without the restoration scaffolding in place is a better picture (a Featured Picture, at least on some Wikipedias; the photo with scaffolding has unsightly dark shadows in front, as well as the scaffolding being ugly, and temporary). The capitol will look the same after restoration as before, so the current photo is appropriate for how the building is supposed to look. I have nothing against having the scaffolding photo illustrating a section on the current restoration (I didn't see anything on it, but only gave the article a cursory glance). Dhtwiki (talk) 06:04, 12 November 2014 (UTC)
Sorry about the lack of explanation, but from the perspective of Wiki being a resource, I looked at the page, before coming to DC and expected the building in the photo. I was really kind of setback, once I saw it, under construction and realized, after talking to the Capitol police this is how it will look, for the next 3 years. Any regular person, doing the same thing would review Wiki and be disappointed when upon arrival the dome is covered in construction equipment under renovation. Wikipedia is not the place for "how the building is supposed to look", but it is a encyclopedia that provides real, factual info and NO WHERE is it mentioned that the dome, is covered in scaffolding. Factually speaking the restoration process will result in a dome that will according to the people I spoke to yesterday "BETTER" then what it used to look like, so why keep a image, as lead that is deceptive and incorrect? I have many featured images as well, but if one of them is replaced, by a image that is correct, that is how is goes and the public is properly informed, rather then disappointed, upon arrival. talk→ WPPilot  14:24, 12 November 2014 (UTC)
United States Capitol building under renovation November 2014
This is interesting. As I was walking around Union Square, moments ago a person came up to me, (I have no idea why he approached me, perhaps it was the camera in hand???) and asked why the Dome was covered. He had in fact looked at this Wiki and expected the dome in the photo. I had to laugh but it goes to support the use of a photo that reflects what the dome "really" looks like, rather then what it used to look like or what it might look like in (late) 2017. As I mentioned above, while the photo that is current lead is/was a featured photo, it is providing a inaccurate perception of what to expect. The person that came up to me was clearly disappointed. Perhaps we should put this to one of the boards and see if a consensus can be reached. I did more pics, today without the shadow from the tree and when I get them uploaded we can look at those shortly. Cheers... talk→ WPPilot  23:10, 12 November 2014 (UTC)
I've moved your photo lower down beside expanded text on the dome restoration. No other website, specifically the U.S. Capitol sites, feels the need to change their images to a scaffold enshrouded one; and Wikipedia is not a news service. Besides, the timeline for completion of the work is 2 years, not 3 (they will want that unsightly scaffolding removed by the next presidential inauguration). Dhtwiki (talk) 05:45, 13 November 2014 (UTC)
I disagree, but that's ok. My comment had nothing to do with News Services, it was more about being accurate and concise. I did speak to one of the construction supervisors, and he did tell me personally that this will be done in 2017. He was a supervisor, wearing a official badge from the construction team, he must have been wrong. I changed the lead as most people do not review in great detail, the entire page and that is what it really looks like, and people should get the correct info. I will post this, when I have time to a admin board and as mentioned before I think we should get other users involved in this conversation. talk→ WPPilot  12:12, 13 November 2014 (UTC)
@WPPilot: I just put a brief note in the lead regarding the dome's altered appearance, which should do something to avoid people feeling misled. My source for completion by Jan. 20, 2017, is the Capitol architect's page. I would understand why they would want it done by then. This page has a large number of watchers (168), and this is the place to discuss these issues. I would prefer that people already interested in this article be the ones to give an opinion. I don't know what you might accomplish by addressing an admin board. I don't think this is that serious an issue right now. Dhtwiki (talk) 05:49, 14 November 2014 (UTC)

@Dhtwiki:I was referring to a group or project board, not core admin boards related to policy issues, you are correct in that, yes. With all those watchers it seems odd that this is a conversation just between you and I, but never the less, I did not ask for a date or month, the officer said it was under construction until 2017, and you confirmed that above. That same "officer" claimed it would look, "better then ever" so the lead pic, I hope will then be replaced to show its pdated state. As far as what you prefer, "I would prefer..." frankly speaking your preferences have nothing to do with this or any other wiki, policy controls how things are done, and that is what I am following. I would prefer a HUGE bag of million dollar bills, but I have no chance of obtaining them, on Wikipedia.. If a photo I took, of ANYTHING on Wiki regardless of it being a "featured photo" was inaccurate, then I would HOPE that someone comes along takes a new pic and replaces it. A "featured photo" will always be a "featured photo" that does not mean we have to use any "featured photo" as a lead regardless of that topics current state. If the building was painted red white and blue, would you "prefer" to use the "Featured photo" or the accurate photo showing the new red white & blue house? Policy states that we use accurate pictures, not pictures that you prefer, see Wikipedia:Neutral point of view..... talk→ WPPilot  19:20, 14 November 2014 (UTC)

File:Capitol at Dusk 2.jpg to appear as POTD

Hello! This is a note to let the editors of this article know that File:Capitol at Dusk 2.jpg will be appearing as picture of the day on July 4, 2015. You can view and edit the POTD blurb at Template:POTD/2015-07-04. If this article needs any attention or maintenance, it would be preferable if that could be done before its appearance on the Main Page. Thanks! — Chris Woodrich (talk) 00:02, 13 June 2015 (UTC)

United States Capitol
The United States Capitol as seen from the eastern side at dusk. Located atop Capitol Hill at the eastern end of the National Mall in Washington, D.C., the building was designed by William Thornton (the first Architect of the Capitol) and completed in 1800. It serves as the seat of the United States Congress, the legislative branch of the U.S. federal government.Photograph: Martin Falbisoner
Archive – More featured pictures...

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Good link. Perhaps one I had marked. Dhtwiki (talk) 17:57, 6 February 2016 (UTC)

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1954 US Capitol Shooting Missing from Page

I noticed that the 1954 mass shooting inside the House Chambers is not noted under the major events portion of the article. This was a significant event in the Capitol's history and should be mentioned in the same earlier section as the 2021 protests and 1998 shooting. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1954_United_States_Capitol_shooting 8.40.247.4 (talk) 23:45, 6 January 2021 (UTC)[1]

References

  1. ^ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1954_United_States_Capitol_shooting

Adding "Currently Occupied By" section.

I think that we should add a general section titled "Currently Occupied By". Under normal circumstances, this would read the United States of America or U.S. Government. However in situations like the Jan. 6 2021 protests it would read Far-Right Protestors. Lake2024 (talk) 01:30, 7 January 2021 (UTC)

Why? This was a tiny protest by a moderate sized group of loonies which was over within a few hours. When considering this buildings two hundred year history it's of pretty minor significance. And I doubt this group can control their own bowel movements let alone control a building.--XANIA - ЗAНИAWikipedia talk | Wikibooks talk 02:31, 7 January 2021 (UTC)
Adding onto the above comment, this would be a poor idea because it could be interpreted as an invitation to occupy the building, which is illegal. --MinerRo (talk) 16:05, 7 January 2021 (UTC)

Semi-protected edit request on 7 January 2021

Change Terrorism to Rioters under security 2021 event, it is by definition not terrorism, as their actions are not to specifically threaten civilians, but more so to riot against the election. It is important that we do not mis-categorize people, and calling them terrorists is clearly a radical political statement. Lafens (talk) 14:28, 7 January 2021 (UTC)

 Already done It appears that the term "terrorism" has been replaced, if not then reopen the request. Terasail[✉] 15:59, 7 January 2021 (UTC)
I changed the term from terrorists to rioters but it was reverted by Dwid hellion. josecurioso ❯❯❯ Tell me! 17:02, 7 January 2021 (UTC)

Josecurioso , i can understand your reasoning. I hope that you will consider my explanation? Terrorism is not exclusive to skin color, religious affiliation nor to any one nation. Here is the definition of the word itself - Terrorism: "the unlawful use of violence and intimidation, especially against civilians, in the pursuit of political aims". This definition of terrorism describes the actions of jan6, yes, you are correct that they also were rioting, but their main intention was to strike terror in the minds and hearts of American civilians and against their political opposition. Describing their actions as anything less than terroristic is being biased in favor of the terrorists. if a criminal has raped AND murdered their victim, should we only hold them accountable for the rape? both intentional rioting AND terrorism both took place on jan 6 Dwid hellion (talk) 18:16, 9 January 2021 (UTC) dwid hellion

Who now flies House-side flags?

This article says "The flag above the House of Representatives is raised and lowered by House pages."

But the article on Page of the United States House of Representatives says that there haven't been any House pages since 2011.

So one of these must be wrong.

If there are no long house pages, please update the Capitol article to say who flies the flags over the House now.

If there are still house pages, please fix that article.

47.139.43.10 (talk) 21:04, 9 January 2021 (UTC)

Semi-protected edit request on 8 January 2021

Ewchistorian (talk) 14:53, 8 January 2021 (UTC)change "mob rioters" to "domestic terrorists"
 Not done: Please see the consensus established on the talkpage of the main article of this incident. If consensus changes there, then it should be updated here. Jack Frost (talk) 09:05, 10 January 2021 (UTC)

Semi-protected edit request on 9 January 2021

Change

Latrobe[who?] is principally connected with the original construction and many innovative interior features; his successor, Bulfinch[who?]

to

Benjamin Henry Latrobe is principally connected with the original construction and many innovative interior features; his successor, Charles Bulfinch 47.139.43.10 (talk) 20:45, 9 January 2021 (UTC)

 Already done Jack Frost (talk) 09:07, 10 January 2021 (UTC)

Historical Context incorrect.

Under the History tab the end of the section titled: "2021 storming of the capitol" it states as follows: on Jan. 6 2021 the capitol was raided by a mob of rioters from a preceding rally held at the white house by incumbent president Donald Trump.(it was not a riot it was a protest, with a select few individuals who acted out and a small group actively were escorted into and led through the building by federal police. They didn't break in there is video evidence to prove this.) "The event was the first time the capitol had been overrun by a hostile force since 1814 burning of washington by british."(this is untrue as it wasn't hostile, and the capitol was overrun in protest in 2018 for the brett kavahaugh controversy.) Please correct this blatantly bias article. 2600:6C40:4400:22E3:A4DE:A6:EBAC:83D4 (talk) 23:43, 9 January 2021 (UTC)

 Not done: This section seems to accurately reflect the consensus established at the main article referring to this incident. If you have any specific sections which you belive should be updated to better reflect the consensus established at that article, then please state your request in a "change X to Y" format and provide a reliable source as needed. Jack Frost (talk) 09:12, 10 January 2021 (UTC)
The mob was quite hostile. The footage from the basement level west door is pretty shocking. I found one video that was half an hour long. The crowd used hockey sticks, bear mace, and batons against the officers. The crowd stole their shields. The crowd used human battering ram tactics. A police officer was snatched into the crowd and beaten. Speaking personally, since we shouldn't use primary sources in the encyclopedia. But I would like to point this out and encourage you to research this further. –Novem Linguae (talk) 19:01, 15 January 2021 (UTC)

Semi-protected edit request on 8 January 2021

CountryMama27 (talk) 15:58, 8 January 2021 (UTC) Under Art: Change The Baptism of Pocahontas to The Baptism of Pocahontas. Change The Embarkation of the Pilgrims to The Embarkation of the Pilgrims. Change to The Discovery of the Mississippi to Discovery of the Mississippi by De Soto A.D. 1541. Remove "Trumbull was a contemporary of the United States' founding fathers and a participant in the American Revolutionary War; he painted a self-portrait into Surrender of Lord Cornwallis."

Reason: The redirects for Pocahontas and Pilgrims on two of the paintings are inaccurate; the redirect on Discovery of the Mississippi is incorrect, and the additional information about Trumbull is duplicative, since that information is on the Cornwallis painting page and Trumbull's page, and no other artist detail is given here. These changes simplify the Capitol page, and matches each of the artists' pages referencing these paintings.

 Not done: According to the page's protection level you should be able to edit the page yourself. If you seem to be unable to, please reopen the request with further details. Elliot321 (talk | contribs) 19:45, 20 January 2021 (UTC)

Jan 6 2021

Should really include that Trump asked supporters to show up. I also wouldn’t say he “denounced” the attack. Jhurley85 (talk) 22:43, 6 January 2021 (UTC)

I don't remember its being reported that Trump asked the protesters to storm the capitol, and his announcement included a request that they go home, a statement that this wasn't the way. In any case, Trump isn't the only one who's recently been slow to condemn rioting. Dhtwiki (talk) 00:24, 7 January 2021 (UTC)
@Dhtwiki Do we really have to start the discussion on this foot? Please have some objectivity. Here are the relevant sections from his speech yesterday, the relevant part of the article is this:
Calling the outcome of the election “this egregious assault on our democracy,” he said his supporters should “walk down to the Capitol." “We are going to cheer on our brave senators and congressmen and women,” he continued, “and we are probably not going to be cheering so much for some of them — because you will never take back our country with weakness.” Mr. Trump did not in fact accompany the supporters he pressed to fight for him; he returned to the White House and berated aides about how the scene had appeared, before attacking Mr. Pence on Twitter for his stand. Before the president took the stage, his personal lawyer Rudolph W. Giuliani addressed the crowd and called for “trial by combat” against the Democrats to win the election.

Seems extremely cut-and-dry to me. He did not say the literal words "you should storm the Capitol", but that isn't what User:Jhurley85 said, and these quotes are all relevant and should absolutely be included --Towlierocks (talk) 13:50, 7 January 2021 (UTC)
We're not going to include such detailed play-by-play in this article, I hope. Also, the protesters didn't seem violent, just lacking in decorum, this "occupation" or "storming" seeming more like the playacting of the Union troops that used the Capitol as barracks during the Civil War. These people may have broken some glass and damaged some locks and other things (and we'll certainly have some expensive new security to pay for), but the reaction of some the legislators seems either panicky unto hysteria or hypocritical given what I've seen of videos of the demonstrators. Dhtwiki (talk) 22:35, 7 January 2021 (UTC)
@Dhtwiki Four people died. Quotes taken from a speech given to the mob by the person they are rioting for, just before they start rioting, is not an overdetailed play-by-play, it is massively relevant information. Please stop downplaying the riot and taking part in whataboutism. --94.247.50.196 (talk) 07:25, 8 January 2021 (UTC)
The death toll is currently five; on January 9, 2021, it was reported by multiple media outlets that a Capitol Police officer died of his injuries. Further, given the destruction and theft of property, carrying of weapons including assault rifles, batons, and bats, I believe it's impossible to state that the attack on the Capitol was non-violent. The protest itself can be differentiated from the criminal activities. CountryMama27 (talk) 16:14, 8 January 2021 (UTC)
I've now seen more on the level of physical destruction, which I hadn't been aware of before. As far as deaths, four protesters died, one at the hands of possibly over-zealous police action; the others suffered "medical emergencies", which could mean a lot of things. The cause of the police officer's death could be due to many things. Reports I've heard say that he died of "injuries" but don't say how those injuries came about. The influence Trump's words had on the protesters is open to interpretation, to say the least. Dhtwiki (talk) 22:21, 8 January 2021 (UTC)
"one at the hands of possibly over-zealous police action", I don't want to link the footage of her being shot here, but it wasn't police, and it wasn't overzealous, the video will confirm this. Stop downplaying people's deaths, stop sharing your conjectures on what you imagine happened, this is not what Wikipedia is for. Any interpretation of the quotes that I included above, and further quotes that have come out since, that come to the conclusion that the speech didn't directly cause the riot or that it is open to interpretation, is severely misguided "both-sides are equally bad"-isms at best. "I've now seen more on the level of physical destruction, which I hadn't been aware of before.", Maybe you should keep researching before coming to conclusions? --94.247.50.196 (talk) 01:32, 9 January 2021 (UTC)
Trump said on twitter for is supporters, to "fight like hell" and "take back our country" he may not have asked them,but it sounds like he did encourage it. Yeial (talk) 12:49, 7 January 2021 (UTC)
Since I don't follow Trump's twitter musing, nor do I know how his followers are supposed to respond to them (in other words, I don't understand the "dog whistles" as well as so many of Trump's opponents seem to), I can't really tell how much to blame Trump for fomenting this riot. However, I do remember that, before the election, Hillary Clinton advised Biden to "never concede", or words to that effect, back when the possibility of a Biden victory was less certain. I take such attitudes and expressions into consideration when deciding who has the moral high ground here. Dhtwiki (talk) 22:35, 7 January 2021 (UTC)
Im Not sure biden would still encourage a riot at the Capitol though. I still blame Trump for this most part,but his own supporters get alot of the blame themselves. Yeial (talk) — Preceding undated comment added 11:24, 8 January 2021 (UTC)
@Dhtwiki The speech Trump gave before the riot started is plenty reason to blame him. He used inflammatory language and made statements that other people in this talk page have already listed, as well as both then and in later statements reiterating his false claims of voter fraud. He very much incited these acts of violence.
As for your statement about Hillary Clinton's advice to Joe Biden, it is in no way relevant in this case. Trump is the one who did not concede until today or yesterday (depending on time zone). You said you take expressions and attitudes into consideration, which is fair. Then consider that Trump did not concede for two months, and repeatedly claimed he won when all evidence was to the contrary. Regardless of Clinton's advice, Biden did not declare himself winner until the election was called in his favor.
Timothy2b (talk) 22:04, 8 January 2021 (UTC)
Trump's affect on the rioting is open to interpretation. We can state that many think that by his rhetoric he essentially fomented the violence, but to put select quotations on this page seems excessive. As for not conceding, Trump questioned the legitimacy of the election, as was his right. In the not-too-distant past Democrats have protested the presidential electoral vote counting that resulted in the Republican candidate being declared the victor. Dhtwiki (talk) 22:58, 8 January 2021 (UTC)
More whataboutism. To others, please don't engage with this user. --94.247.50.196 (talk) 01:32, 9 January 2021 (UTC)
@Dhtwiki: I'm not getting involved in this debate, but I know of no Democratic presidential candidate ( or any other presidential candidate) who has done this. Al Gore was very careful not to get involved with the protest over the Florida vote. Doug Weller talk 08:29, 9 January 2021 (UTC)

It is Jan 20th, and I would hope by now that people can see what I was talking about. (At least one of you was, and I thank you.) This led to his second impeachment, so I think he should certainly be mentioned. The page should be factual regardless of the political opinions of the person editing this page. Jhurley85 (talk) 12:43, 20 January 2021 (UTC)

It is factual that Trump told his supporters that they should “walk down to the Capitol," and I am disappointed that this has not been included on the page. (I would include it myself but feel it would probably just get deleted.) Jhurley85 (talk) 12:49, 20 January 2021 (UTC)

Many are implying that Trump ordered the attack, and I don't see "walk down to the Capitol" as the smoking gun for that. If the congress eventually convicts Trump of inciting an insurrection, then that probably should be duly noted here, however hypocritically dishonest and politically motivated some of us might find that conviction to be. Dhtwiki (talk) 20:24, 20 January 2021 (UTC)
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