Statuary Hall

Abraham Lincoln's term in Congress was relatively uneventful, but he did attack the origins of the war with Mexico. In this room on December 22, 1847, he introduced a series of resolutions called the "Spot Resolutions" which challenged President Polk to locate the place where American blood had been shed on American soil, provoking the war. His position proved unpopular among his constituents, and dogged him for years afterward.

After the House of Representatives outgrew this chamber, the room was turned into Statuary Hall, where visitors now can see statues of famous Americans.

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