Congressman Tim Moore (R-NC) has revealed a clandestine community of underground tunnels beneath the U.S. Capitol, exposing what he calls “hidden passageways” which have remained largely unknown to the American public.
In a video posted to X, Moore lifted a flooring panel to disclose a steep staircase, which appeared to have graffiti on each the doorway and the steps.
Based on the congressman, this tunnel could have performed a task within the British invasion of 1814, when the Capitol was attacked and burned in the course of the Battle of 1812.
Tim Moore:
This is among the neat issues in regards to the U.S. Capitol, after all. This constructing—building began within the 1700s—has all types of little hidden passageways. You noticed I simply pulled this cowl up. You possibly can see, if we get the digital camera to return over, however you’ll be able to see there’s a passageway.These are lengthy stairs that was right here however have been closed off. We’re simply off of what’s referred to as Statuary Corridor, which at one time was the precise Home chamber, and it’s proper exterior there. However that is simply an instance of a number of the little hidden secrets and techniques within the Capitol.
One of many issues we do after we deliver tour teams in—if it’s a sufficiently small group, it’s an enormous group of individuals, but when it’s a small group—we’ll really take them down this corridor.
Imagine it or not, my massive self has really gotten down, and extra importantly, out of this corridor. I’m not going to debut that once more in the present day, however suffice to say, I’ve been capable of reside, inform about it, and get out of there.
It goes all the way in which all the way down to an previous staircase, and I’m instructed—I can’t confirm this—however I’m instructed that this staircase, which opens to the surface in the event you go down, was one of many staircases British troopers used once they breached the Capitol in the course of the Battle of, I feel it was, 1814, once they really attacked Washington.
After they got here in, it was one of many stairs that British troopers really got here up. There’s a whole lot of wonderful historical past on this constructing. When people come from North Carolina, we attempt to present issues that, if it’s a sufficiently small group and the timing is true, you’ll be able to really let people go down there.
The children appear to find it irresistible. Lots of older people—not a lot. But it surely’s simply one of many neat issues in regards to the Capitol, in addition to the opposite day-to-day issues that people see on a regular basis. Thought I would share that with you.
WATCH:
Include me to see one of many hidden secrets and techniques of the Capitol!
The Lincoln Room is one in every of my favourite spots to deliver guests — when President Lincoln was serving within the Home, he sat by the fireside on this room to learn his letters, however probably the most attention-grabbing a part of the room is… pic.twitter.com/hp36jfQrk4
— Congressman Tim Moore (@RepTimMooreNC) May 9, 2025
