Proposed design for the U.S. Capitol, west elevation, by Dr. William Thornton, ca. 1793-1800

Thornton won the competition to design the U.S. Capitol, but his proposed west front, seen here, was not completed as shown. The principal feature of Thornton's design was a large circular conference room topped by a tall dome carried on Corinthian columns. Another colonnade was intended to run in front of the conference room. Allegorical figures celebrating America's strength and bounty were to stand on top of the central balustrade.

Prints & Photographs Division, Library of Congress