The following was written by Janice Kaplan. Twenty-two massive
Corinthian columns that stand in a meadow two miles from the
U.S. Capitol represent a little-known piece of inaugural
history. One of Washington, D.C.’s most notable and dramatic
landmarks, the original National Capitol Columns are on
permanent display at the U.S. National Arboretum where they may
be viewed leading up to the inauguration, and throughout the
year. The columns were the backdrop for two dozen presidential
inaugurations from Andrew Jackson to Dwight D. Eisenhower.
Abraham Lincoln, for instance, gave his famous second inaugural
address in front of the columns. “Anyone who has visited the
U.S. National Arboretum, either during the day or when the
Capitol Columns are dramatically illuminated from below at
night, understands the power and grace of these historic
pillars,” said Dr. Thomas S. Elias, director of the U.S.
National Arboretum. “In this inaugural season, it is compelling
to imagine the sights and sounds of past inaugurations whi