Congresswoman Renee Ellmers: Take a Virtual Capitol Tour this Week!


Photo of the Week

The Apotheosis of Washington — Painted by Constantino Brumidi in 1865, this fresco depicts George Washington surrounded by Lady Freedom and Victory, as well as 13 other female figures representing the 13 original colonies. It was finished in 11 months after the end of the Civil War and stands at 180 feet above the ground.

This is one of the sights you will see on a tour of the U.S. Capitol. If you are unable to travel to Washington, be sure to see the information below about how you can take a “virtual tour” via Ellmers social media this week!

 

Touring the Capitol
Visiting our nation’s capital is an exciting and educational experience! If you are planning a trip to Washington, my staff can serve as a valuable resource to you.

Start with a visit to the “Visiting Washington” page on my website at Ellmers.house.gov where you can find information about popular tourist sites in DC.  Congressional staff led tours are available through my office to Second District constituents. You can fill out an online form on my website or contact my office at 202-225-4531 to schedule a tour of the Capitol or for help in booking a White House Tour. 

Tickets to tour the White House are extremely limited. The minimum amount of advance notice required for these tours is 3 weeks, but getting tickets is very unlikely unless the request is made several months in advance, so please plan ahead!

Take a peek at the photos below for a glimpse of some of the things you will see on a Capitol tour and visit me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram throughout this week for even more photos and information as my office takes you on a #VirtualCapitolTour!

 

#VirtualCapitolTour

Lady Freedom — The statue of Lady Freedom in the Capitol Visitor Center is an exact replica of Lady Freedom that sits atop the Capitol. She is 19 feet six inches tall and weighs around 15,000 pounds.

The Crypt was completed in 1829 and contains 40 Doric columns that support the Rotunda. This area was slated to be the burial site of George Washington and his wife. However, George Washington passed away before the crypt was finished and also included in his will that he was to be buried at Mount Vernon.

Old Supreme Court – The Supreme Court was in this chamber from 1810-1860 before moving upstairs and then to its current location. Many influential court cases were decided here, including the Dred Scott case.

Hall of Columns – On the first floor of the House Side, the Hall of Columns houses many statues of the National Statuary Hall Collection. Unlike traditional Greco-Roman columns, the capitals (top sections) of these columns are accented with American flora- tobacco and oak leaves.

Hall of Columns – On the first floor of the House Side, the Hall of Columns houses many statues of the National Statuary Hall Collection. Unlike traditional Greco-Roman columns, the capitals (top sections) of these columns are accented with American flora- tobacco and oak leaves.

For more photos like the ones above visit Ellmers social media this week for a #VirtualCapitolTour!