The Secret History of the Capitol is an account of the many bizarre, tragic, and violent episodes that have occurred in and around the Capitol Building, from the founding of the federal capital city in 1790 up to contemporary times. In this 229-year span, the Senate, the House of Representatives, and the neighborhoods nearby have witnessed dozens of high-profile scandals, trials, riots, bombings, and personal assaults, along with some heart-warming events as well. It is a popular work about the U.S. Capitol Building and its environs.