Republican North Carolina Rep. Tim Moore recently revealed the existence of hidden staircases and passageways beneath the U.S. Capitol in a viral video. These secret areas date back to the building's original construction in the 18th century.
Moore showcased a secret door in the floor of the Capitol, leading to these concealed spaces. The U.S. Capitol's construction was commissioned in 1793, with President George Washington laying the cornerstone.
Moore also showed the Capitol's Lincoln Room and opened a hidden door on the floor, revealing a historic staircase leading to another room below. According to lore, the staircase under the Lincoln Room was used by British soldiers in the War of 1812 to set fire to the historic building.