Thomas Ustick Walter (1804-1877)
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
Nationally prominent Philadelphia architect who designed the US Capitol dome and wings and Girard College. He was consulting architect for Philadelphia's City Hall. A founder of the American Institute of Architects, he served as its president. Walter lived near here 1837-41.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
Thomas Ustick Walter was among the most celebrated American architects of the nineteenth century, and he lived near here in the late 1830s. He designed the towering cast-iron dome and expanded wings of the United States Capitol and the imposing Girard College, and advised on Philadelphia's City Hall. A founder of the American Institute of Architects, he also served as its president.
Why it matters
Walter gave the nation one of its most enduring symbols in the Capitol dome and helped establish architecture as a professional discipline in America.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- African American Museum in Philadelphia0.5 mi away · 701 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Bridgette Mayer0.6 mi away · 709 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Independence Visitor Center0.6 mi away · 599 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- National Constitution Center0.6 mi away · 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Liberty Bell Center0.6 mi away · 526 Market Street, Philadelphia
- Congress Hall0.6 mi away · Philadelphia, PA
Attractions
- Reading Terminalnearby
- Chinatown Friendship Gate0.2 mi away · 10th and Arch Street
- One Liberty Observation Deck0.4 mi away
- The Universal Sphere0.5 mi away
- President's House0.6 mi away
- Liberty Bell0.6 mi away · 526 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
Food & drink
- Burger King0.4 mi away
- Philly Pretzel Factory0.5 mi away
- Munchie’s Cafe0.5 mi away · 728 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Dunkin'0.5 mi away · 634 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- El Azteca0.5 mi away
- Lamberti Pizza & Market0.5 mi away · 707 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places to stay
- Home2 Suites by Hilton Philadelphia - Convention Center, PAnearby · 1200 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- The Notary Hotel0.1 mi away · 21 North Juniper Street, Philadelphia
- Philadelphia Marriott Downtown0.1 mi away · 1201 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Days Inn Philadelphia Convention Center - Philadelphia0.1 mi away · 1227 Race Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Hilton Garden Inn Philadelphia Center City0.1 mi away · 1100 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Four Points by Sheraton Philadelphia City Center0.1 mi away · 1201 Race Street, Philadelphia
Places data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Hours and details change — call ahead.
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Related people
- · Thomas Ustick Walter
Themes & tags
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