These 22 Corintian sandstone columns were among 24 that were part of the east central portico of the United States Capitol. Architect Charles Bulfinch oversaw construction of the portico using a design handed down by his predecessors, William Thornton and Benjamin Henry Latrobe. Completed in 1826, these columns provided the backdrop for presidential inaugurations from 1829 (Andrew Jackson) to 1957 (Dwight D. Eisenhower) and were the site of many speeches, protests and rallies.
In 1958 the columns were dismantled to make way for the front extension of the Capitol, which is adorned with marble reproductions.
The Arboretum grounds are open Friday through Monday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Admission is free.
Logging Requirements: Visit the site in person and post a picture of you or your GPS with the columns in the background. At GZ, you will find 4 paving stones along the edge of the reflecting pool inscribed with information about the columns. The Log Password is the year mentioned on the 3rd stone.