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These mysterious columns in downtown DC used to guard the US Capitol
There's a short video explaining what this is all about.
These mysterious columns in downtown DC used to guard the US Capitol
Matt Kaufax | matt.kaufax@wtop.com
March 4, 2025, 3:25 AM
These mysterious columns in downtown DC used to guard the US Capitol
In the heart of downtown D.C., three identical columns stand upright, seemingly in the middle of nowhere. ... You would never guess these pillars used to stand guard over one of the District’s most important buildings — if you notice them at all.
In today’s episode of “Matt About Town,” WTOP’s Matt Kaufax heads to 15th Street and Constitution Avenue to learn the story behind the original U.S. Capitol pillars.
Hear “Matt About Town” first every Tuesday and Thursday on 103.5 FM!
If you have a story idea you’d like Matt to cover, email him, or chat with him on Instagram and TikTok.
Check out all “Matt About Town” episodes here!
Get breaking news and daily headlines delivered to your email inbox by signing up here.
© 2025 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.
Matt Kaufax
If there's an off-the-beaten-path type of attraction, person, or phenomenon in the DC area that you think more people should know about, Matt is your guy. As the features reporter for WTOP, he's always on the hunt for stories that provide a unique local flavor—a slice of life if you will.
matt.kaufax@wtop.com
771-200-6363
@mattabouttown_
@mkaufax
Matt Kaufax | matt.kaufax@wtop.com
March 4, 2025, 3:25 AM
These mysterious columns in downtown DC used to guard the US Capitol
In the heart of downtown D.C., three identical columns stand upright, seemingly in the middle of nowhere. ... You would never guess these pillars used to stand guard over one of the District’s most important buildings — if you notice them at all.
In today’s episode of “Matt About Town,” WTOP’s Matt Kaufax heads to 15th Street and Constitution Avenue to learn the story behind the original U.S. Capitol pillars.
Hear “Matt About Town” first every Tuesday and Thursday on 103.5 FM!
If you have a story idea you’d like Matt to cover, email him, or chat with him on Instagram and TikTok.
Check out all “Matt About Town” episodes here!
Get breaking news and daily headlines delivered to your email inbox by signing up here.
© 2025 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.
Matt Kaufax
If there's an off-the-beaten-path type of attraction, person, or phenomenon in the DC area that you think more people should know about, Matt is your guy. As the features reporter for WTOP, he's always on the hunt for stories that provide a unique local flavor—a slice of life if you will.
matt.kaufax@wtop.com
771-200-6363
@mattabouttown_
@mkaufax