Washington's Tomb

The tomb sits two floors below the Capitol Rotunda and consists of a circular chamber with a vaulted ceiling. The space opens through a narrow passage from the lower level's central corridor and displays plain stone walls without decoration.

William Thornton included the chamber in the original Capitol plans after the first president died in December 1799. The family declined to transfer the remains, so the room has stayed unused since its completion.

The room carries the name of the first president and was planned as a final resting place within the government building, though this purpose was never fulfilled. The empty vault serves as a reminder that the family preferred burial at Mount Vernon.

Access to the tomb is possible during Capitol tours, entering from the ground floor near the central passage. The chamber has low lighting, and visits last only a few minutes as part of the general tour route.

The catafalque used to display several presidents during state funerals was stored in this chamber for decades. It was moved to the visitor center only a few years ago, where it now stands ready for ceremonial purposes.

Location: Washington, D.C.

Part of: United States Capitol

GPS coordinates: 38.88990,-77.00900

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:24