William Thornton

William Thornton (May 20, 1759 - 28 March, 1828) was the original architect of the United States Capitol. Born on Jost Van Dyke in the British Virgin Islands, Thornton received medical training in Edinburgh, Scotland. He emigrated to the United States of America in 1787.

Related Topics:
May 20 - 1759 - 28 March - 1828 - Architect - United States Capitol - Jost Van Dyke - British Virgin Islands - Edinburgh, Scotland - United States of America - 1787

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Thornton's design for the Capitol had been submitted after the close of a competition in which 17 entries were found wanting. His plan was approved on July 25, 1793, with the award of $500 and a city lot in Washington, D.C..

Related Topics:
July 25 - 1793 - Washington, D.C.

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Other notable designs by Thornton were the Library Company in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and the Tayloe house or Octagon House in Washington, D.C., once headquarters of the American Institute of Architects.

Related Topics:
Library Company - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - Tayloe house - Octagon House - American Institute of Architects

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Thornton was also the first Superintendent of the United States Patent Office from June 1, 1802 until his death in 1828.

Related Topics:
United States Patent Office - June 1 - 1802

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William E. Thornton is also a now retired American astronaut.

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