Rebuilding the Capitol After the Fires of 1814: Benjamin Latrobe & Potomac Marble - Lecture Only Version

The destruction of Washington in 1814 by the invading British challenged President Monroe and Benjamin Latrobe with the task of rebuilding the edifices which had been destroyed. They understood that the principal buildings of the government were not mere offices but symbols of the aspirations of the Republic. They had to be functional but also classically beautiful. The preferred building material was marble. Potomac Marble, which exists in abundance on both sides of the Potomac River, was used as the building material. In this course, we will also learn about the invasion of 1814 and the methods the British used to burn stone buildings. This lecture only class does not include the visit to the quarry. Please register for the full version if you would like to take part in the walk.