Freedom's Cap

The narrative explores the construction of the United States Capitol amid the backdrop of the Civil War, highlighting its architectural significance and the political turmoil of the era. Groundbreaking began shortly after the Compromise of 1850, with the iconic cast-iron dome being assembled during a time of national strife. Key figures include Jefferson Davis, who supported the Capitol until his Confederacy presidency, and Montgomery C. Meigs, a Union loyalist. The rivalry between Meigs and architect Thomas U. Walter, a Southern sympathizer turned Unionist, adds depth to the Capitol's history.