Historic artifact used to lay Capitol cornerstone will be displayed on House rostrum as part of America250 commemorations.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
House Speaker Mike Johnson will display the gavel used by George Washington in 1793 to lay the cornerstone of the United States Capitol during President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address Tuesday evening.
The historic gavel will be placed on the House chamber rostrum and will feature prominently throughout the president’s address, according to confirmation from the U.S. Capitol Historical Society.
The artifact dates to Sept. 18, 1793, when Washington presided over the Masonic cornerstone-laying ceremony that marked the formal beginning of construction on the Capitol building.
“The U.S. Capitol Historical Society would like to thank Speaker Johnson and Potomac Lodge No. 5 for working with us to ensure the display of a historic treasure for this year’s historic Address,” society President and CEO Roswell Encina said in a statement.
“Complementing the State of the Union with George Washington’s Gavel beautifully reflects the importance of preserving and sharing the Capitol’s history; helping Americans connect with the people, places, and traditions that continue to shape our nation,” Encina added. “A significant part of the Society’s mission is to bring Congress to the People. During America250, it is especially satisfying to have helped bring the People to Congress.”
The gavel’s appearance is part of a broader series of official events commemorating the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding. Lawmakers and federal institutions have planned exhibits and ceremonies throughout the year to mark the milestone, often referred to as “America250.”
Johnson’s decision to feature the gavel during the annual address underscores the symbolic connection between the early republic and the present-day Congress convening under the Capitol dome Washington helped establish.
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