Bulfinch Gate House, Washington, DC (2)
**U.S. Capitol Gatehouses And Gateposts** - National Register of Historic Places Ref # 73002120, date listed 11/30/1973
7th, 15th, and 17th Sts., and Constitution Ave., NW.
Washington, DC (District of Columbia)
The design of the gateposts is generally attributed to Charles Bulfinch who in 1814 was commissioned to do the Capitol restoration. Until 1874, the gateposts stood at the foot of the west capitol grounds, but in that year were moved to their present locations. The gateposts are 4 sandstone pillars measuring 5' x 5' at the base and approximately 12' in height.
The design of the gateposts is classical. Horizontal bands, around the top of the pillars, are carved out of the posts and they are topped with a frieze relief matching the one atop the gatehouses. The design atop the posts is again a classical motif, voluted using the stylized acanthus leaf form. (1)
Built in 1828, these sandstone guardians silently watched over the U.S. Capitol grounds until 1874. In 1889, this gatehouse and its twin, located on Seventeenth Street and Constitution Avenue, were reconstructed in their present locations. These houses have weathered several floods, water, and the effects of acid rain. On the southeast side are markers indicating the high-water marks during floods. (2)
References (1) NRHP Nomination Formhttps://s3.amazonaws.com/NARAprodstorage/lz/electronic-records/rg-079/NPS_DC/73002120.pdf
Bulfinch Gate House, Washington, DC (2)
**U.S. Capitol Gatehouses And Gateposts** - National Register of Historic Places Ref # 73002120, date listed 11/30/1973
7th, 15th, and 17th Sts., and Constitution Ave., NW.
Washington, DC (District of Columbia)
The design of the gateposts is generally attributed to Charles Bulfinch who in 1814 was commissioned to do the Capitol restoration. Until 1874, the gateposts stood at the foot of the west capitol grounds, but in that year were moved to their present locations. The gateposts are 4 sandstone pillars measuring 5' x 5' at the base and approximately 12' in height.
The design of the gateposts is classical. Horizontal bands, around the top of the pillars, are carved out of the posts and they are topped with a frieze relief matching the one atop the gatehouses. The design atop the posts is again a classical motif, voluted using the stylized acanthus leaf form. (1)
Built in 1828, these sandstone guardians silently watched over the U.S. Capitol grounds until 1874. In 1889, this gatehouse and its twin, located on Seventeenth Street and Constitution Avenue, were reconstructed in their present locations. These houses have weathered several floods, water, and the effects of acid rain. On the southeast side are markers indicating the high-water marks during floods. (2)
References (1) NRHP Nomination Formhttps://s3.amazonaws.com/NARAprodstorage/lz/electronic-records/rg-079/NPS_DC/73002120.pdf