A video released by Rep. Tim Moore (R-NC) has captured the public's imagination by unveiling a previously concealed tunnel beneath the U.S. Capitol. Moore proposes that this passageway might have been utilized by British troops during their incursion in the War of 1812. The revelation was made in a video where Moore is seen lifting a cover to expose the entrance to the tunnel, located in the Lincoln Room—a historic area once used as the House post office during President Abraham Lincoln's term and currently a space for private meetings and tours.
"The Lincoln Room has all sorts of little hidden passageways," Moore stated, highlighting the Capitol's architectural intricacies. He demonstrated the sealed tunnel, which features stone steps and walls adorned with various signatures, presumably left by past lawmakers and visitors. Moreover, Moore fondly regards the Lincoln Room, with its fireplace where President Lincoln is rumored to have read letters, as one of his favorite spots in the Capitol.
The U.S. Capitol, with its cornerstone laid by President George Washington in 1793, was still under construction at the time of the British attack in 1814. The attack, part of the War of 1812, led to the "Burning of Washington," including the Capitol and the White House. Although the Capitol was not fully completed until 1826, it housed significant historical events and underwent multiple renovations, which included the addition and sealing of various structural elements.
Despite lacking concrete evidence, Moore conveyed an oral history that has been shared among Capitol staff and officials, suggesting that the hidden staircase could have played a role during the British invasion. The Capitol has long been known for its labyrinthine layout, with many concealed rooms and staircases that have intrigued historians and long-time workers.
The discovery by Rep. Moore not only sheds light on a potentially significant historical route but also rejuvenates interest in the Capitol's more enigmatic architectural aspects. While these features are not typically accessible to the public, they are a testament to the building's rich and layered history.
Today, the Capitol stands as a vast legislative complex, having undergone extensive reconstruction and expansion after the British attack. It now includes several new wings, chambers, and office buildings, while preserving many of its original architectural elements.