The most powerful court in the United States, the Supreme Court, was somewhat neglected compared to the other branches of government. While the president had the White House and congress had the Capitol building, the third branch of government didn't have a home until 1935. For 146 years the Supreme Court met wherever it could -- a private home, the Royal Exchange (later the Merchants Exchange) building in New York, Philadelphia's city hall, and several other locations. Its most permanent home was the Capitol building; a too-cozy arrangement for a government that prides itself on separation of powers. It took a Chief Justice, president William Howard Taft, to convince congress to build a home for its nomadic brother. The home they built is Corinthian with 16 columns supporting a portico at its main entrance. The pediment contains the sculpture "Liberty Enthroned Guarded by Order and Authority" by Robert Aitken. On the other side of the building is another sculpture group, this one by Herman McNeil, "Means of Enforcing the Law, Tempering Justice with Mercy, Carrying on Civilization, and Settlement of Disputes Between States." It's main elements are depictions of Moses, Confucius, and Solon.

• The Supreme Court building is 304 feet wide, 385 and long.
• The exterior is Vermont marble.
• The interior courtyard is Georgia marble.
• The floors are partially Alabama marble.
• The British used documents from the Supreme Court to burn the U.S. Capitol during the War of 1812.
• 28 October, 2001 - For the first time in 66 years, the Supreme Court is forced to meet outside of its chambers. This change is ordered after anthrax was discovered in the mail room.
• 17 June, 2003 - A five-year, US$122,000,000.00 renovation begins.