quarters with a fireproof cast-iron dome. Weighing 8,909,200 pounds the new dome was lifted atop the Rotunda in 1863, completing the basic structure of the Capitol Building. (AOC.gov) The last piece of art to signify our nation's capitol was the Statue of Freedom which was mounted atop of the dome. This sculpture of a woman wearing a headress, and whielding a sword in one hand and a shield in the other. Standing 19.5 feet tall and weighing in at 14,985 pounds she symbolizes the untouched freedom of our nation. This huge copper statue was mounted atop the cast-iron dome in 1863, completeing the construction of the Capitol building.(Wold Book, 196)Since its completion in 1863 changes have still been made through the years in modernizing the Capitol building. Upgrades have helped in the evolving process of time such as running water in 1832. Gas lighting was added to the building in the 1840's. To strengthen the structure 1,000 steel rods were also inserted into the body of the Capitol. Total completion costs were $ 2,432,851.34 it was money well spent on bringing a life to the base of our country. (AOC.gov) Today our government building covers a ground area of 175,170 square feet (4 acres). Extending 751 ft. 4 in. north to south this massive monument has a width of 350 feet. Its height above the base line on the east front to the top of the Statue of Freedom is 288 feet. The building contains approximately 540 rooms and has 658 windows (108 in the dome alone) and approximately 850 doorways.(AOC.gov)The Capitol building is divided into five levels. The first floor is occupied mainly by committee rooms and the spaces allocated to various congressional officers. These areas accessible to visitors on this level include the Hall of Columns, the Brumidi Corridors, the restored Old Supreme Court Chambers, and the Crypt beneath the Rotunda, where historical exhibits are presented.(AOC.gov)The second floor holds the Chambers of the H...
