William Thornton Re-examined by Bob Arnebeck

Table of contents The General Dies and Jefferson Resurrects the Ideas of Dr. Thornton  The North Wing in 1800 As the city came to life with the arrival of the federal government in 1800, Thornton’s reputation as an architect depended solely on the Capitol. Despite being one of the commissioners, Thornton was unable to associate his name with the design of the North Wing. On November 18, 1799, Superintendent Hoban handed the commissioners his report that proved that the building was ready to receive congress. The commissioners added  his reports on the other public buildings  and sent them all to Philadelphia where they were printed and submitted to congress along with President Adams' annual message which reported that the commissioners "conclude that the removal of the seat of government to that place at the time required will be practicable and the accommodations satisfactory."  In the main, Hoban's reports are as moving as the dimensions and specifications in a ...