On Sept. 18, 1793, George Washington laid the cornerstone of the U.S. Capitol, beginning construction on the home of Congress.
Washington had approved William Thornton’s design after a contest drew 17 entries. For the ceremony, he joined what the Senate calls the first parade in Washington, D.C., marching with bands, artillery and Masons. An engraved silver plate was placed beneath the stone, and the celebration ended with a feast featuring a 500-pound ox.
Construction proved less festive: money ran short, sandstone arrived by boat from Virginia and Congress moved in seven years later, before the Capitol was finished.
– Staff report with AI assist*, The Today 100
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