This attractive view depicting Lincoln's second inauguration was taken just 3 weeks before the Civil War ended. Scores of well-dressed citizens observe the quadrennial ceremony in the foreground while the newly expanded Capitol building dominates the rest of the composition. Published in the March 18, 1865 issue.

In 1850, funding was approved for enlargement of the Capitol building as a direct result of the territorial growth in the nation. From the time the original building was constructed in 1793 to this publication date, the number of states and senators had doubled, and the number of representatives exploded from 69 to 233. As a major part of the project, architect Thomas Walter designed new north and south wings along with a new dome to better suit the scale of the larger building. The work was completed in 1868.

References:

Condition: A

A crisp impression on a clean sheet.