In Washington, D.C., a city steeped in history - from museums and monuments to statues and stations - there are perhaps no structures as prominent as the working symbols of the United States' three-branch government: the White House, the Capitol, and the Supreme Court. Embodying our nation's complex and, at times, tumultuous history, these buildings also house invaluable pieces of our American past. A visit to these national treasures provides a lesson in both the people and events that have shaped this country.
Representing the heart, soul, and strength of American independence, the White House, the Capitol, and the Supreme Court tell a fascinating true story - one that includes presidents, vice presidents, senators, justices, and political visionaries. Touring the buildings, visitors see such familiar faces as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Martin Luther King Jr., and Susan B. Anthony, as well as learn about lesser-known figures such as Chippewa warrior Beeshekee, Chief Justice Morrison R. Waite, and Vice Presidents Daniel Tompkins and William R. King. The paintings and portraits that adorn the walls, the statues in every corner, and the rooms themselves provide commentary on the political life of a developing nation.
Each of the three historic buildings feature only the areas that were public space when the book was compiled in 2000. Many of the areas are now closed to the public, particularly within the U.S. Capitol where many of the sites within the public tours have been moved to the underground Capitol Visitors Center. The sites in the White House still remain the same, but access is strictly limited. All areas of the Supreme Court shown are still within the public space.
Begin your three branches of government tour at:
- Tour A: The White House tour of 15 sites begins on the Ground Floor Library, to the Vermeil Room where a special gold and silver flatware set is on display, the China Room showing the evolution of official state dinnerware, then up to the East Room where press conferences and state dinners are held, then through the Green, Blue, and Red Rooms, see the State Dining Room, the Cross Hall featuring the presidential flag and seal, the Entrance Hall and finally the North Portico where official guests are sometimes met.
- Tour B: The U.S. Capitol features 154 sites inside and outside the U.S. Capitol grounds from statues, paintings, furniture, and architectural details such as cornices, fixtures, columns and even original staircases, memorials, and glass skylights to find. There are historic trees, streetcar shelters, and even a grotto where a stream runs through it and conspirators met. Many sites have been moved or are now off limits. But with special access many of these wonders can be revealed.
- Tour C: The Supreme Court features only 12 sites, but they do include the interior courtroom where the nine Supreme Court justices meet in open session to discuss constitutional issues. Many of the exhibits change over time but there are sculptures, pediments, statues, busts, furniture, friezes, and staircases that will still dazzle any visitor or staff.
Altogether there are 181 historic sites, 207 images, 8 maps. Care must be taken when visiting each site as they are heavily guarded inside and out. Visitors must get a pass from a member of Congress or Senator at least 6 months ahead of their visit for the White House, but visitors can enter most of the visitor area of the U.S. Capitol throughout the day by registering for a pass at the Capital Visitor Center (unfortunately that does not include a visit to the galleries of the House of Representatives and the Senate; check with a member of Congress for that privilege). There are cafeterias and restrooms in the U.S. Capitol Visitors Center and the Supreme Court, but not at the White House. There are many days where visits will either be cut short or be terminated depending on national concerns at the time. Be flexible.
ISBN 0-7385-0557-9 by Thomas J. Carrier, Arcadia Publishing, soft cover book form, cost, http://www.arcadiapublishing.com
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