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William Thornton (born May 20, 1759, Tortola, British Virgin Islands—died March 28, 1828, Washington, D.C., U.S.) was a British-born American architect, inventor, and public official, best known as the creator of the original design for the Capitol at Washington, D.C.
William Thornton (May 20, 1759 – March 28, 1828) was an American physician, inventor, painter and architect who designed the United States Capitol. He also served as the first Architect of the Capitol and first Superintendent of the United States Patent Office.
Dr. William Thornton was an amateur architect who is honored as the "first architect" because his design for the U.S. Capitol was accepted by President George Washington in 1793. He received $500 and a building lot in the city of Washington for his composition.
Dr. William Thornton (May 20, 1759 – March 28, 1828) was an early American inventor, painter and architect who designed the United States Capitol. He also served as the first Architect of the Capitol and first Superintendent of the United States Patent Office.
One of the earliest American architects, William Thornton achieved early fame for his design of the US Capitol Building in Washington DC, in the style of neoclassical architecture. He was also active in domestic architecture, being responsible for the John Tayloe town house, known as The Octagon (1799-1802) and Thomas Peter's villa, Tudor Place ...
In 1792, William Thornton designed America's defining monument, where a new visitor center opens in December
William Thornton's design principles showcased key characteristics of neoclassical architecture, including symmetry, grandeur, and classical references. His design for the United States Capitol emphasized balance and proportion, drawing inspiration from ancient Greek and Roman architecture.
