Washington, D.C. Landmark
National Capitol Columns: A Discarded Piece of History in the Meadow
Washington, District of Columbia, United States
These towering Corinthian pillars once supported the U.S. Capitol’s east portico, witnessing the inaugurations of Lincoln and Jackson before being retired to a quiet, open field.
Deep in the heart of the National Arboretum, twenty-two massive sandstone pillars rise from a grassy knoll, creating a scene that feels more like an ancient Greek ruin than a piece of American political history. These are the original Corinthian supports that once framed the United States Capitol, standing as silent witnesses to some of the nation's most pivotal moments.
Why It Stands Out
For over a century, these pillars formed the backbone of the Capitol's east portico. They provided the backdrop for the inaugurations of presidents like Andrew Jackson and Abraham Lincoln.
However, when the Capitol’s massive iron dome was finished in 1864, it became clear that the structure was visually unbalanced. The dome was significantly larger than the original architects had envisioned, making the building appear lopsided.
To fix the aesthetic proportions, an addition was built on the east side in the mid-20th century, and these 1828-era sandstone columns were swapped out for marble replacements. After decades in storage, they were finally relocated to this open meadow in 1984.
Today, they support nothing but the sky, yet they remain in remarkably pristine condition.
Before You Go
The site is located in Northeast D.C., roughly two miles from the Capitol building they once adorned. While the Tidal Basin gets the most attention for spring blooms, the area surrounding these columns offers a spectacular, less-crowded alternative for viewing cherry blossoms.
Visitors can follow a designated path for a self-guided tour that winds through the trees and around the base of the monument. Access is available via entrances on New York Avenue and R Street.
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