Statue of Freedom atop the U.S. Capitol Dome

The bronze Statue of Freedom, sculpted by Thomas Crawford and installed in 1863, crowns the dome of the United States Capitol as a single sculptural emblem over the legislative chamber. The figure stands about 19.5 feet tall and was lifted into place on December 2, 1863 during the Civil War. The bronze statue is unique to the Capitol dome and remains one of the building’s most recognizable features.