Imagine walking through a vast open meadow, where towering Corinthian columns stand proudly, seemingly out of place yet steeped in history. These are the National Capitol Columns, a unique and iconic monument in Washington, D.C.'s National Arboretum. But their story is anything but ordinary.
These 22 magnificent sandstone columns were once part of the United States Capitol, built in 1828 to support the east portico of the nation’s most symbolic building. Quarried from Aquia Creek, Virginia, and transported by barge to Washington, the columns were adorned with intricate carvings, including Acanthus leaves that still bear the marks of their origin.
For decades, they stood tall and proud, but when the familiar Capitol dome was completed in 1866, a curious problem arose. The new iron dome, much larger than originally envisioned, made the columns appear visually inadequate. To resolve this, the east side of the Capitol was expanded in 1958, and the columns were removed, left without a home.
Fast forward to the 1980s, when Arboretum benefactor Ethel Garrett championed the effort to preserve these historic treasures. With the guidance of renowned landscape designer Russell Page, the Ellipse Meadow in the National Arboretum became their final resting place. Here, surrounded by 20 acres of open space, the columns were positioned atop stones from the original Capitol steps, adding yet another layer of history.
But what about the missing two columns? Only 22 of the original 24 stand in the meadow. The remaining two, cracked and without bases or capitals, rest atop Mount Hamilton within the Arboretum’s Azalea Collection. These remnants serve as a quiet reminder of the columns’ journey and the passage of time.
A reflecting pool now graces the site, mirroring the columns and adding a sense of tranquility as water flows gently from a channel in the steps. Nearby, one of the column capitals has been set aside, allowing visitors to marvel at the fine craftsmanship of the stone carvers and see the layers of paint applied during its years at the Capitol.
The National Capitol Columns are more than a work of art — they are a bridge to history, a symbol of resilience, and a testament to the craftsmanship of the past. They invite us to stand in their presence and reflect on the stories they hold, the hands that shaped them, and the generations they have witnessed.
Bring the grandeur of this timeless monument into your space with this fine art print, capturing the dramatic beauty of these columns under a stunning sky. A piece of history, ready to inspire.
