National Cathedral, Washington DC (1907 – 1990)
In 1907, President Theodore Roosevelt laid the cornerstone that began construction on a grand national project, the National Cathedral in Washington DC. Architects used Gothic form for the Cathedral, giving the impression that it has always been around. It has a cruciform layout, resembling the Christian cross when looked at from above. Buttresses and flying buttresses support the tall cathedral walls in Gothic style.
There are three rose windows, vaulted ceilings, 215 stained glass windows, and pointed arches flanking the entrance. It stands as the Westminster Abbey or the Notre Dame of the United States, a cathedral for the people. It is a place for sacred events. The National Cathedral has hosted some Presidential inaugurations, presidential funerals, funerals for others of prominent national figures such as Neil Armstrong and Helen Keller, and memorial services for national tragedies like the September 11 attacks.
