By the spring of 1862, when fears of an imminent Confederate invasion of Washington had subsided, work on the Capitol was officially restarted, though now its supervision was transferred from the War Department to the Interior Department. This was good news for Walter, not only because he was once more receiving a paycheck, but it allowed him for the next three years to continue his work unmolested by the political infighting that had harried him for much of his Washington career. From a personal standpoint, Walter was anxious to complete the project during Lincoln’s presidency. “No honor is too great for this administration, and if I can add a ray of glory, in the way of art, to the brilliancy that will surround it in the history that is to hand it down to future times, I will sacrifice anything within reason to do it.”
	U. S. Capitol, Half Section/Elevation of New Dome   Thomas U. Walter, Architect Watercolor Rendering on Whatman Paper 1859   This drawing shows the invisible interior beauty of the four-shelled cast iron dome, the first of its kind in America. In addition, it demonstrates the remarkable engineering feat that placed a new dome that was three times taller (but only 19% heavier) on the foundations of its wood and plaster predecessor. Walter Collection, The Athenaeum of Philadelphia
U. S. Capitol, Design for Extension and New Dome   Thomas U. Walter, Architect Watercolor Rendering on Whatman Paper 1855   This early presentation drawing shows how the new cast iron dome balanced the composition of the expanded Capitol complex while creating a commanding landmark on the Washington skyline.    Walter Collection, The Athenaeum of Philadelphia
	U. S. Capitol from the Mall Looking East   Progress Photograph Reproduction of Salted Paper Print 1862 Courtesy of The Architect of The Capitol
U. S. Capitol From the Northeast Progress Photograph Albumen Print Fall 1863   Ironwork components for the dome were finished and painted in sheds at ground level then hoisted to a staging area on the roof of the unfinished Senate wing. From there a 300’ derrick, firmly planted in the floor of the rotunda, lifted the ironwork into place for final installation in the dome. Walter Collection, The Athenaeum of Philadelphia
	U. S. Capitol Progress Photograph Reproduction from Stereoscopic View Fall 1863   This image was taken just before the installation of the Statue of Freedom atop the dome.   Walter Collection, The Athenaeum of Philadelphia
U. S. Capitol From the Northeast Progress Photograph Albumen Print Winter 1863    Walter Collection, The Athenaeum of Philadelphia

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