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Construction began in 1791, but it took 34 years, six presidents, and six architects to complete the original U.S. Capitol, and by then it was too small for the burgeoning nation and additions were required. As this program shows, the distinctive Capitol dome was still unfinished when the opening shots of the Civil War were heard. This is the third installment in the 13-volume American Documents documentary series, which presents United States history in an entertaining, yet well-researched manner. American Documents, Vol. 3: The Building of the Capitol is hosted by famed narrator Alexander Scourby, who was a Broadway actor and host of PBS broadcasts of the Metropolitan Opera. Highlights of this program include archival illustrations and photographs of the Capitol during various stages of construction and modification.