Like many buildings, monuments and memorials in Washington DC, the design for the United States Capitol was the result of a design competition. The challenge to design the United States Capitol was won by Dr. William Thornton for his simple Greek stlye. This was elaborated further by other architects before construction began in 1793. Over the following decades large sections of the Capitol were completed although some were destroyed by British troops in 1814. The US Capitol was finally completed in 1826.

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