Capitol Hill

Capitol Hill
Capitol Hill, the seat of the United States Congress, is home to the legislative branch of the US federal government. It is located in Washington DC. For Americans, it stands as a symbol of their government.

Capitol Hill is located to the east of the White House, the Washington monument and the Smithsonian museum.

Capitol Hill, the white-domed building has the US House of Representatives and US Senate office building, the Library of Congress, and the US Capitol building. The building also houses meeting chambers of the Senate as well as the House of Representatives.

The building is used for presidential inaugurations, among other important events.

The Capitol Hilt historic district takes its name from the hill, which rises in the centre of the federal city and extends eastward.

Earlier called Jenkins Hill or Jenkins Heights, it was the site chosen by French engineer Pierre L'Enfant for the placement of the 'Congress House.' And so as per this plan, the US Capitol building was situated upon the crest of the hill facing the city.

After the US Capitol was built atop Jenkins Hill in 1793, additional buildings were constructed around this site to serve Congress and the Supreme Court. As per the US Capitol Visitor Centre, the Congress met for the first time in the completed portion in 1800. The Capitol has more than 540 rooms.

Near the Capitol, also lies the residential area is known as Capitol Hill, which is one of the oldest residential communities in Washington.

Also in the complex is the Rotunda, is the heart of the US Capitol. It is a ceremonial centre where state funerals have been held.

It is also known for the redbrick Eastern Market, where vendors sell produce, meat and cheese throughout the week, and handicrafts and antiques on weekends.