10 Things You Didn’t Know About the Architect of the Capitol

Benjamin Latrobe photo By Charles Willson Peale Wikimedia

10 Things You Didn’t Know About the Architect of The Capitol

The Architect of The Capitol is a federal agency and it is responsible for the maintenance, operation, development and preservation of the United States Capitol Complex. Both the agency and the head of the agency are known as “Architect of the Capitol”.

For one to be a head of an agency is always appointed by the president of the United States and the United States Senate confirms. One is always appointed to rule for 10 years, however, one can be reelected after a 10-year term.

The Capital Complex includes the Capitol, Capitol Vision Center and, eight congressional office buildings such as Ford, Longworth, Russell, Hart, O’Neill, and Cannon among others.

1. The Agency has Over 2444 Employees

The architect of the Capitol has many employees that work for them. It has two thousand, four hundred and forty-four employees. The employees help the agency ensure smooth operation regarding maintenance, development, preservation and operation. The AOC’s yearly budget is approximately $788 million as of September 2022.

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2. AOC is One of the Oldest Federal Agency Leadership Positions

Architects of the Capitol was formed back in the year 1793, 230 years ago. Its headquarters are in the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C.

It is interesting to note that the AOC is among the oldest federal Agency leadership position in the world. 12 architects have been lucky so for to be appointed for the position over the years.

3. Benjamin Henry Latrobe is the Only President of AOC Who Served Twice 

Benjamin Latrobe photo By Charles Willson Peale Wikimedia

Benjamin Henry was the second appointed president of AOC. He was born on May 1, 1764, in Fulneck, Leeds, West Riding of Yorkshire, England and died on September 3, 1820, in New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.

He was first appointed by Thomas Jefferson and ruled from March 6, 1803, to July 1, 1811. He was later appointed by James Madison and served again from November 20, 1817, to April 6, 1815.

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4. Responsible for the Preservation of Several Historical Buildings

\ United States Capitol photo By Hunter Bloor Wikimedia

One thing you may not have known about the Architect of the Capitol is that is responsible for preserving several historical sites. It ensures that they are safe and well-maintained for future generations. Some of the historical sites it maintains include the Supreme Court Buildings, the Library of Congress and the United States Capitol.

The Supreme Court is the highest court in the United States and the building was completed back in 1935, the United States Capitol was completed in 1800 but several renovations have been done since then. The building is where United States Congress meets while the Library of Congress was completed to be built in 1800 and is said to be the largest library in the world.

5. AOC is Responsible for the Maintenance of the Capitol Vision Center

Capital Vision Center is located between the Capitol building and 1^st Street East. It is a large underground which serves as a gathering place for more than 4000 tourists and an extra space for the U.S Congress.

The architect of the capitol is responsible for ensuring this multimillion project is maintained and stays in good condition. It is said the total budget of the project was about $621 million. It is an addition to the United States Capitol complex and contains 54,000 meters squared of space below ground.

6. William Thornton was the First Leader of Architect of the Capitol

William Thornton photo By USCapitol Wikimedia

Several people have held the position of the Architect of the Capitol however, William Thornton, a British-American investor, physician, painter and architect, was the first to hold the position of the architect of the Capitol.

He was appointed by Washington, the first president of the United States and his term in office started in 1793 and ended in 1802.

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7. Several People Have Held the Position of The Architect of the Capitol

Thomas U. Walter photo By USCapitol Wikimedia

Since the establishment of this position of AOC in 1793, 12 people have served as leaders of the agency. They include the following:

Presidents of AOC                   Term in Office               The President who Appointed

William Thornton                     1793-1802                     Washington

Benjamin Henry Latrobe      1803-1811                      Jefferson

                                                             1815-1817                     Madison

Charles Bulfinch                         1818-1829                       Monroe

Thomas U. Walter                     1851-1865                        Fillmore

Edward Clark                                1865-1902                        A. Johnson

Elliott Woods                              1902-1923                           T.Roosevelt

David Lynn                                   1923-1954                           Coolidge

J. George Stewart                    1954-1970                            Eisenhower 

George M. White                     1971- 1995                            Nixon

Alan M. Hantman                    1997-2007                               Clinton

Stephen T. Ayers                      2010-2018                                 Obama

Brett Blanton                            2020-2023                                    Trump

8. The President Appoints the Architect of the Capitol

The president of the United State appoints the leaders of the Architect of the Capitol for a term of ten years. However, the president appoints with consent and advice of the Senate, from a list of three people recommended by a congressional commission.

After the Senate approves, the architect becomes an official of the legislative branch as an officer and agent of Congress. It is good to note after the 10-year term, the architect can be reappointed after the completion of the term.

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9. The Annual Budget of the AOC is Millions

Photo by Alexander Grey on Unsplash

For AOC to run and accomplish its responsibilities they have an annual budget to ensure smoothness in operation. In 2022 the annual budget was estimated to be $788 million as of September 2022. This is a big sum of money indicating they do an awesome job.

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10. AOC is Responsible to Congress

The architects of the Capitol have several responsibilities. It is responsible to congress. It is also responsible for the Supreme Court for the maintenance, development, operation and preservation of approximately 17.4 million square feet which is equivalent to 162 ha of buildings and more than 553 acres of land throughout Capitol Hill.