What’s hiding beneath the floors of the U.S. Capitol?
Republican Congressman Tim Moore of North Carolina recently revealed something that stunned millions of viewers: a secret staircase tucked beneath the Capitol’s historic Lincoln Room. Moore posted a video to his official X account (formerly Twitter), where he uncovered a hidden wooden panel that led to an old passageway—untouched for generations.
“Construction began in the 1700s, and there are all sorts of hidden passageways like this one,” Moore said in the video.
These mysterious architectural features date back to the original construction of the Capitol, commissioned in 1793. President George Washington personally laid the cornerstone. The building’s core was completed by 1826, but its secrets still live beneath the surface—literally.
The Hidden History Under Your Feet
The Lincoln Room, where the hidden staircase lies, is a favorite stop on Rep. Moore’s Capitol tours. It’s where Abraham Lincoln, before becoming one of America’s greatest presidents, would sit by the fireplace reading letters during his time as an Illinois congressman from 1847 to 1849.
But it’s what lies beneath the floorboards that truly captures the imagination.
Moore revealed a dusty staircase leading to what appears to be another level below. According to Capitol legend, the passage may have been used by British troops during the War of 1812, when they set fire to the Capitol during the Burning of Washington in 1814.
“This is just one of the hidden secrets of the Capitol,” Moore explained, standing next to the entrance to the staircase.
During the British invasion, soldiers torched the U.S. Capitol, the White House (then known as the Presidential Mansion), and the Washington Navy Yard. It took violent storms and armed American resistance to stop the destruction. The war finally ended in 1815, but these architectural remnants remain a physical reminder of the Capitol’s resilience.
WATCH:
Come with me to see one of the hidden secrets of the Capitol!
— Congressman Tim Moore (@RepTimMooreNC) May 9, 2025
The Lincoln Room is one of my favorite spots to bring visitors — when President Lincoln was serving in the House, he sat by the fireplace in this room to read his letters, but the most interesting part of the room is… pic.twitter.com/hp36jfQrk4
President Trump Leads the Charge to Celebrate America’s 250th Birthday
This discovery comes at a fitting time. President Donald Trump is preparing to lead the celebration of America’s 250th anniversary—the Semiquincentennial—on July 4, 2026. In one of his first major actions after returning to office, Trump signed an executive order launching a national task force to prepare for the historic event.
Here’s what the Trump administration is planning:
- A parade honoring the U.S. Army’s 250th founding, set to march from Arlington, Virginia, to the National Mall
- The construction of new monuments honoring the Founding Fathers, military heroes, and historical leaders
- Protection of vandalized statues and memorials, following the destruction seen during the 2020 riots
President Trump’s plan reflects his commitment to restoring American pride and honoring our national heritage.
Why This Matters to Patriotic Americans
For conservative Americans who cherish history, tradition, and truth, these hidden Capitol features aren’t just architectural quirks—they’re proof of our enduring American spirit.
From George Washington to Donald Trump, the story of this nation has been carved into every stone and staircase of the Capitol. These newly revealed secrets serve as a powerful reminder of our faith, freedom, and fight to preserve liberty—a message that resonates deeply with Americans aged 50 and older who lived through moments of both peril and patriotism.
