What Is National
The National Statuary Hall is one of the most popular rooms in the U . S . Capitol building , visited by thousands of tourists every day and used occasionally for ceremonial events . But when it was designed by Benjamin Henry Latrobe – and rebuilt by Latrobe and his successor Charles Bullfinch after it was destroyed by British troops in 1814 – it was meant for an entirely different purpose .
The chamber that today houses the collection of statues contributed by the 50 states was first used as the chamber of the House of Representatives . But the sweeping architecture , built in the shape of an ancient amphitheater with a smooth , curved ceiling did not provide the proper acoustics necessary to conduct the nation ’ s business .
According to the Architect of the Capitol website , the federal agency that oversees the Capitol building and grounds , the classical design of the hall created “ annoying echoes ” that made debate difficult . Attempts to dampen the noise with draperies or changing the seating arrangement proved unsuccessful , forcing the construction of a new hall for the House of Representatives .
House members moved into their new home in 1857 , leaving the old space empty .
While Americans were busy with westward expansion and growing the nation , the fate of the vacant hall was uncertain , according to the Architect of the Capitol website . Suggestions for new uses included using the space for the Library of Congress , which at that time was housed in the Capitol building . Another idea was to replace the hall with two floors of committee rooms .
It was Representative Justin S . Morrill from Vermont , one of the founders of the Republican Party and author of the Morrill Land- Grant Acts that established many of the country ’ s public colleges and universities , who had a better idea .
Morrill posed the question : “ To what end more useful or grand , and at the same time simple and inexpensive , can we devote ( the chamber ) than to ordain that it shall be set apart for the reception
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