2.6.17

Making The Most Of Your US Capitol Tour

By Brian Morris


A trip to the nation's capital is exciting for people of all ages. No one misses touring the White House or stopping by to take a look at the famous memorial to Abraham Lincoln. Even though it is not possible to climb to the top of the Washington Monument at the moment, most go by and pay their respects to the Father of the County. All serious history buffs and political junkies plan to spend a day going on a US Capitol tour.

Rules have changed over the years, and today, it is not possible to just walk into a Congressional building and roam freely. You have to check at the visitor's center and go through security. If you haven't registered in advance for one of these tours, you will have to wait for an opening to become available. Guides will only handle so many people at a time, and the tours are popular. Contacting your Congressman's office to get registered ahead of your visit is a good idea.

One of the tours will take you into the first floor and the Crypt. This section of this building has forty Doric columns that originally helped support the Rotunda above it. You will be able to see a replica of England's Magna Carta here. There also thirteen statutes from the National Statuary Hall collection that represent the original thirteen colonies.

The massive Rotunda is on the agenda of most tours in this building. This amazing round, domed room serves as a place for ceremonial events. Many have seen portions of this area on televised news events reporting the passing of Presidents and other prominent citizens. You will see historic artworks, Presidential statues, and friezes depicting important events in the country's history in this area.

In between the Rotunda and the House wing is the National Statuary Hall. There are currently thirty-five statues lining the walls that were contributions from various states celebrating distinguished citizens. Each state has contributed a total of one hundred statues, two for each state, and the remaining sixty-five are placed in strategic locations throughout the Capitol building.

There are several different tours visitors can choose to take. The Exhibition Hall has an impressive collection of artifacts and displays explaining the nations history and the political system that runs it. A grounds tour is a wonderful way to walk around and get a feel for the beauty of the area. It includes presidential monuments, a free flowing fountain, and a reflective pool.

Visiting such an important place requires a certain amount of respect and courtesy. There is no formal dress code, but visitors are expected to dress appropriately for the surroundings. No food or drink is allowed in the building, and cell phones should be silenced.

A visit to the nation's capital is an exciting way to spend a vacation or long weekend. You will have to plan ahead to take advantage of all it has to offer. Most return to see interesting buildings they missed the first time.




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