Hidden Congress: An Alternative Tour of the U.S. Capitol

Millions of people visit the United States Capitol Building in Washington, D.C., each year on school trips and summer vacations. The official tour generally lasts about an hour: visit the Crypt, the Rotunda, and Statuary Hall, take a picture, done. The behind-the-scenes operations of the U.S. Congress receives far less attention from the general public, which is a shame, because much of it is tremendously interesting. 

From century-old HVAC infrastructure to national security precautions and nuclear bunkers, these more obscure Congressional sites shed light on the inner workings of the U.S. Capitol. Know of something unusual we’re missing? Add it to the Atlas!