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Symbolizing both government power and the control of that power by the people, the Capitol crowns the east end of the National Mall (see Events in the US Capitol’s History).

The world’s largest collection of books, documents, and sound and video recordings is housed in three huge buildings to the east of the Capitol. The architecture of the Jefferson Building makes it a tourist destination in itself.

Opened in 1907, this magnificent Beaux Arts building is still a fully functional transportation hub. The lofty barrel-vaulted concourse, decorated with 70 lbs (32 kg) of gleaming gold leaf, is one of the great public spaces in the city – the Washington Monument, laid on its side, would easily fit within its length. Over 23 million people pass through the station each year. A $160 million restoration, completed in 1988, made the terminal an important retail and entertainment center, with over 130 shops, numerous restaurants, and a 9-screen cinema, as well as expanding its transportation role.

The Folger has the world’s largest library of printed editions of Shakespeare’s works, and fascinating displays give viewers an insight into Shakespeare and his times. There is also a huge supporting collection of Renaissance works in other fields, as well as playbills, musical instruments, and costumes. The elegant Neo-Classical building, a 1929 design by Paul Philippe Cret, is on the National Register of Historic Places (see Shakespeare Theatre).

The home of the highest seat of the judicial branch of the US government is a solid and handsome Neo-Classical building designed by Cass Gilbert – the architect of the beautiful Woolworth Building in New York City – and completed in 1935. On its west pediment, above the marble columns of the main entrance, is inscribed in bold letters the famous motto “Equal Justice Under Law” (see Supreme Court).

Long valued by Capitol Hill residents as a quiet retreat, the Botanic Garden conservatory is better than ever after its recent four-year restoration. The 4,000 living plants here are arranged into themes and biosystems, such as Plant Exploration, Jungle, Oasis, Medicinal Plants, and many others. The wedge-shaped National Garden, adjacent to the west, includes glorious outdoor displays in a water garden, a rose garden, and a showcase garden.

Another oasis for Capitol Hill visitors, this immaculate park is bursting with flowers and ornamental plants. Its symmetrical design radiates out from the fine Gilded Age cast-iron Bartholdi Fountain, a three-story high construction of supple human forms, European-style lights, and a non-stop flow of water.

Built in 1750 and expanded into its current mansion size in 1800, this house is one of the most historic in Washington. It is thought that one past resident, Albert Gallatin, Treasury Secretary for Jefferson and Monroe, may have worked out the financial details of the Louisiana Purchase – which nearly doubled the size of the United States – here. The house was the only private residence burned during the War of 1812 because only from here did Americans fire on the invading British (see War of 1812). The completely rebuilt home was bought by the National Women’s Party in 1929 and remains their home today. Visitors can see the elaborate but homey period furnishings of the house’s past, as well as the museum’s fascinating collection of objects and documents fundamental to the suffragist and feminist movements in the United States, and the oldest feminist library in the US.

Hallway, Sewall-Belmont House

Completed in 1873, Eastern Market has been an important element in the history of Capitol Hill. Designed by a prominent local architect, Adolph Cluss, in an Italianate style, the market symbolized the urbanization of the city at the end of the Civil War. Since then, it has served as a meeting place for residents, and recently as a focal point in the revitalization of the area. The market has been repeatedly threatened with closure.

The US Postal Service delivers over 600 million items of mail every day, and this ingenious museum manages to communicate the human scale of the system. The vast airmail system, with its thousands of employees, is shown to be based on individual pilots and airplanes. An interactive display enables visitors to dive into direct marketing and mail order, even designing their own advertising piece.