<P> The Statue of Freedom, also known as Armed Freedom or simply Freedom, is a bronze statue designed by Thomas Crawford (1814--1857) that, since 1863, has crowned the dome of the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C. Originally named Freedom Triumphant in War and Peace, a U.S. government publication now states that the statue "is officially known as the Statue of Freedom". The statue depicts a female figure baring a military helmet and holding a sheathed sword in her right hand and a laurel wreath and shield in her left . </P> <P> The Statue of Freedom is a colossal bronze standing figure 19 ⁄ feet (5.9 m) tall and weighing approximately 15,000 pounds (6,800 kg). Her crest peaks at 288 feet (88 m) above the east front plaza of the U.S. Capitol . She is a female, allegorical figure whose right hand holds the hilt of a sheathed sword, while a laurel wreath of victory and the Shield of the United States are clasped in her left hand . Her chiton is secured by a brooch inscribed "U.S." and is partially covered by a heavy, Native American--style fringed blanket thrown over her left shoulder . She faces east towards the main entrance of the building and the rising Sun . She wears a military helmet adorned with stars and an eagle's head which is itself crowned by an umbrella - like crest of feathers . Although not actually called "Columbia", she shares many of her iconic characteristics . Freedom stands atop a cast - iron globe encircled with one of the national mottoes, E pluribus unum . The lower part of the base is decorated with fasces and wreaths . Ten bronze points tipped with platinum are attached to her headdress, shoulders, and shield for protection from lightning . </P>

What is on top of the united states capitol building