U.S. Capitol Gatehouses and Gateposts

The U.S. Capitol Gatehouses are sandstone structures featuring Tuscan columned porches on their front facades and rough-cut stone walls on the sides and rear. Two gatehouses now stand at Constitution Avenue intersections with 15th and 17th Streets, while four additional posts are located at the National Arboretum.

Charles Bulfinch designed these structures in 1828 to mark the main entrances to the Capitol building and guide visitors. The gatehouses were relocated and repositioned in 1874 during a major grounds renovation project.

These structures show how the city marked its most important entrances with lasting stone buildings during the early federal period. The neoclassical style reflects the architectural language used to express government authority through physical form.

The two gatehouses are easy to locate and can be viewed from the street as they stand at busy intersections. The additional posts at the National Arboretum are accessible during regular daytime hours.

The eastern gatehouse displays carved markings indicating water levels from major floods that occurred in 1877 and 1881. These inscribed lines serve as a physical record of the natural disasters that affected the grounds.

Location: Washington, D.C.

Inception: 1828

Architects: Charles Bulfinch

Made from material: sandstone

GPS coordinates: 38.89237,-77.03391

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:06