Since 1793, the U.S. Capitol has stood not just as a seat of government, but as a deliberate message. From its Roman-inspired columns to the massive Civil War dome, the Capitol was designed to project power, unity, and divine destiny. Every stone, mural, and chamber told Americans—and the world—that this was more than politics. It was permanence.

In this episode, we reveal how the Capitol became America’s greatest piece of architectural propaganda. From fires and war to expansion and survival, discover how this building shaped the nation’s identity while symbolizing its endurance.