About the National Archives

The Columns

The columns were completed in sections, and as each section was finished, it was hoisted into place on top of earlier sections. The capitals were carved in place out of single blocks of limestone.

A stone carver at work on the Corinthian capitals of the National Archives Building
ca. 1934
Stone carver standing among unfinished corinthian capitals
Click to Enlarge

National Archives and Records Administration
Records of the National Archives and Records Administration
Record Group 64


Building An Archives Main Page

The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration
8601 Adelphi Road, College Park, MD 20740-6001
Telephone: 1-86-NARA-NARA or 1-866-272-6272