Who is Atop the U.S. Capitol?

With our architecture theme this week, it's been fun to review photos I have taken of recent vacations. The photo to the left is of the U.S. Capitol. Does anyone know the history of the statue atop the Capitol? From the website about the U.S. Capitol, "That is the bronze "Statue of Freedom" by Thomas Crawford. It is the crowning feature of the dome of the United States Capitol. The statue is a classical female figure of Freedom wearing flowing draperies. Her right hand rests upon the hilt of a sheathed sword; her left holds a laurel wreath of victory and the shield of the United States with thirteen stripes. Her helmet is encircled by stars and features a crest composed of an eagle's head, feathers, and talons, a reference to the costume of Native Americans. A brooch inscribed "U.S." secures her fringed robes. She stands on a cast-iron globe encircled with the words E Pluribus Unum, the national motto at the time of her placement atop the dome. 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. The bronze statue stands 19 feet 6 inches tall and weighs approximately 15,000 pounds. Her crest rises 288 feet above the east front plaza."

The photo was taken with my brand new Canon Rebel XS. My new favorite toy!
Send us your best shot, send a photo of your favorite building and provide a short story that inspired you to take it!