Bad Acoustics Turned this 1807 Capitol Chamber Into a Gallery of US State Heroes

National Statuary Hall

For nearly 50 years, this semicircular Capitol chamber hosted heated House debates until its curved ceiling created such impossible echoes that lawmakers fled to build an entirely new meeting space.

The abandoned room’s second life began when Congress invited every state to fill it with statues of their greatest heroes.

This is how it happened and how you can walk its hallowed halls today.

How States Send Statues to Congress

In 1864, Vermont Representative Justin Morrill found a new use for the empty House chamber. His law turned the room into a gallery where each state could display two statues.

States could honor their most notable citizens who had passed away. They were known for historic deeds or outstanding public service. Meanwhile, the statues could be carved from marble or bronze.

Rhode Island sent the first statue in 1870, honoring Revolutionary War General Nathanael Greene. By 1971, every state had sent at least one statue.

The Chamber That Whispers Secrets

The hall’s curved ceiling produces a strange auditory effect. Someone whispering at one spot can be heard clearly across the room.

This quirk caused problems during congressional meetings. Echoes bounced around the chamber, making it hard to hear speakers and conduct business.

Congress tried hanging curtains and moving seats to fix the problem, but nothing worked. The sound spots today differ from those in the 1800s because the floor and ceiling have changed.

Clio Watches Over Time

A marble sculpture called “The Car of History” sits above the doorway to the Rotunda. Italian artist Carlo Franzoni carved it in 1819.

The piece shows Clio, the Greek muse of history, standing in a winged chariot. She holds a book while recording the events happening below. The chariot wheel contains a working clock made by Simon Willard.

Franzoni completed this artwork shortly before his death, creating one of the oldest and most distinctive pieces in the Capitol.

When Adams Fell at His Desk

John Quincy Adams shares a special history with this room. In 1825, the House of Representatives voted in the National Statuary Hall. They made him president when no candidate garnered enough electoral votes.

After his presidency, Adams returned as a congressman from Massachusetts. He worked in this chamber for 17 years.

On February 21, 1848, Adams suffered a stroke at his desk during a House debate. Staff carried him to a room nearby, where he died two days later.

America Celebrates Two Hundred Years

Workers restored the hall in 1976 in time for America’s 200th birthday. The project was designed to show how the room looked when it served as the House chamber.

The team uncovered original fireplaces hidden behind walls and built new mantels based on old designs. They studied a detailed 1822 painting by Samuel F.B. Morse for accuracy.

Using Morse’s artwork, workers created new versions of the original chandelier, wall lights, and red curtains.

Five Presidents Took Their Oath Here

Five presidents took their oath of office in this room: James Madison, James Monroe, John Quincy Adams, Andrew Jackson, and Millard Fillmore.

The hall continues its presidential tradition today. Since 1981, it has hosted the Inaugural Luncheon after each swearing-in ceremony.

At these luncheons, the new president and vice president enjoy a meal with Congress members. The menu often includes food items from the president’s home state.

Distinguished Visitors From Abroad

In 1824, the Marquis de Lafayette made history in the National Statuary Hall. The Revolutionary War hero became the first foreign citizen to address Congress.

Lafayette had returned to America for a goodbye tour fifty years after fighting with George Washington. Congress warmly invited him to speak in the House chamber.

Today, the hall still hosts important international guests. Foreign leaders and diplomats attend special events in this historic space throughout the year.

When Statues Filled Every Corner

By 1933, the hall held 65 statues. They stood three rows deep in some areas, making the space look crowded.

Engineers worried about the floor’s strength. The weight of so many marble and bronze statues threatened the structure below.

Congress solved the issue by distributing the statues throughout the Capitol. Today, only 38 figures remain in National Statuary Hall. The others are located in the Visitor Center, the Crypt, and various hallways.

Marble From Near and Far

The hall’s columns came from Potomac River quarries. This local stone, called Breccia marble, has swirls of different colors.

Craftsmen from Italy carved the white marble atop each column. These decorations depict leaves and scrolls in the Corinthian style.

The floor is a mix of black and white marble tiles arranged in a pattern. The black marble was specifically purchased for this room, while builders used leftover white marble from other Capitol projects.

States Update Their Celebrated Citizens

In 2000, Congress allowed states to replace their statues. This enabled them to honor new people as historical views evolved.

Kansas was the first state to replace both of its original statues. Other states soon followed suit.

In 2022, Nebraska installed a statue of author Willa Cather made by Littleton Alston. This addition marked a milestone as Alston became the first Black sculptor to create a statue for the collection.

Visiting National Statuary Hall

You can visit National Statuary Hall as part of a U.S. Capitol tour. The Capitol Visitor Center sits at First Street and East Capitol Street NE in Washington, D.C. Tours run Monday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding major holidays.

Free timed-entry passes are required, and you can book your passes online or through your Representative or Senator’s office. Same-day passes might be available at the Visitor Center information desk.

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