And on the anniversary of her wedding to tobacco planter John Rolfe which forged the earliest American union, a celebration of Pocohontas twice blessed in the Rotunda.
For those whose eyes might have wandered when Donald Trump was inaugurated in the Capitol’s Holy of Holies.
They will, of course, reflect on the commission of George Washington, the Father of the Nation, resigning his commission.
And perhaps miss the Mother of the Nation, Pocohontas, who again it’s worth flagging up is twice blessed in the Rotunda.
In a relief sculpture ‘The Preservation of Captain Smith by Pocahontas’ by Antonio Capellano.
And the painting ‘Baptism of Pocahontas’ by John Gadsby Chapman.
Capitol’s time capsule
The Rotunda is the Capitol’s time capsule chronicling the history of the Union.
Which makes it idiosyncratic that Pocohontas’s story should be included here in Washington.
Although its symbolism and the Native Americans’ birthright to this land makes it as justified as any.
Whether The Donald will one day be immortalised in the Rotunda’s fixtures and fittings is for the future.
But he will undoubtedly return here to lie in state as have 12 presidents from Abraham Lincoln through John F Kennedy to Jimmy Carter.
The modern Pantheon
For Americanophiles, and you don’t have to have majored in American history, The Rotunda is a must on your list.
Particularly as you might have missed the 200th anniversary of its completion.
For the visit of that hero of the Revolution, the Marquis de Lafayette’s visit in 1924.
And if it feels familiar to modern-day visitors who have also been to Rome then you’d be right.
As the First Fathers, Classical fans that they were, modelled it on the Pantheon.
A brief tutorial
Casting your eye around the Rotunda and it is better to sign up with a tour guide brings back old hippy Ted Ranson’s morning lectures.
The paintings of the Declaration of Independence, the Surrender of General Burgoyne, Lord Cornwallis and the aforementioned George Washington.
It’s among the Rotunda’s commemoration of the American explorers’ story that Pocohontas gets a second airing.
Along with the Landing of Columbus, Discovery of the Mississippi and the Embarkation of the Pilgrims.
Although it’s worth remembering that she didn’t do any exploring herself.
The Mother of the Nation
A native of the land around the renamed Jamestown, Virginia.
While there in four wreathed panels above the paintings frame portrait busts of John Cabot, Christopher Columbus, Sir Walter Raleigh and Sieur de La Salle
You’ll see the second Pocohontas in the relief panels above the four entrances.
Among them Daniel Boone. the Landing of the Pilgrims and William Penn’s Treaty with the Indians.
A whole potted history then of America all around you in the Rotunda.
With one Native American rightly taking her place which we will remember especially.
