Explore the history of the capital city of the United States and its construction in this "stirring.thoughtful" ( School Library Journal ) nonfiction picture book from award-winning author-illustrator Lynn Curlee--now with a new look! The White House. The Washington Monument. The Lincoln Memorial. The Jefferson Memorial. The Capitol building. These structures define and glorify our nation's history and stand today as towering symbols of architectural achievement. However, the moving and awe-inspiring tale behind their construction is often left untold.

This book explores the forces behind, and the people working for, the creation of these monuments, detailing the brilliance, agony, and creative spirit that went into them--revitalizing the history of Washington, DC, and the growth of a nation.