Capitol Stones

In 1958, renovations began on the Dome and the East Front of the Capitol building. These were overseen by the Architect of the Capitol J. George Stewart, who received mixed opinions of his appointment by Eisenhower as Architect of the Capitol. Stewart wanted to expand the Capitol to include more office spaces and for the construction of a Metro station. The law forbid the destruction of the marble and limestone pieces, many of which were from the original construction of the capitol. Hence, they were deposited at Rock Creek Park.

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The columns were removed as well and transported to National Arboretum where they can be seen to this day. 

The stones are currently located in Rock Creek Park, settled in neat rows and growing moss. Their story sounds like an urban legend, but they exist. 

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“There’s the history of 19th-century stone construction on display there,” Bill Lebovich tells Washingtonian. “How they removed the blocks from the quarry, you can see that in the grooves. You can see the beautiful Cornish details. The stones provide rather pristine examples from two hundred years ago.”