Secret Tunnel Beneath U.S. Capitol Revealed by Congressman—Allegedly Used During British Invasion of 1814

A recently resurfaced claim by a U.S. congressman has brought attention to a little-known tunnel beneath the Capitol. While details remain scarce, some believe the passage may date back to the early 19th century.

A newly released video from Rep. Tim Moore (R-NC) has sparked widespread interest and debate after revealing a hidden tunnel beneath the U.S. Capitol, which he speculates could have been used by British soldiers during the War of 1812. The video, shared on Moore’s X account, shows the Congressman lifting a floor panel in the Lincoln Room of the Capitol, exposing a concealed staircase that leads to what he claims is an old passageway. The Lincoln Room, located near Statuary Hall, is one of the Capitol’s oldest sections and was once the House post office during President Abraham Lincoln’s time. Moore states that the tunnel, though narrow, leads to the exterior of the Capitol complex and was used for purposes unknown to the public for years.

In the video, Moore explains that the passage was sealed off but reveals that, despite its narrowness, he personally had no trouble entering and exiting it, humorously noting his size. The Congressman also speculates that the tunnel may have been used during the British invasion of Washington in 1814, when British forces set fire to the Capitol in an event known as the “Burning of Washington.” Moore mentions that he cannot definitively verify this theory but shares that it is a widely circulated piece of oral history among Capitol staff and officials. The notion that this passageway might have played a role in the British soldiers’ movements when they breached the Capitol adds an intriguing historical layer to the story.

The War of 1812, fought between the United States and Great Britain over issues like maritime rights and trade restrictions, saw British forces march into Washington in August 1814. They set fire to several government buildings, including the Capitol and the White House, making this event a rare instance in American history where foreign troops occupied the capital. At the time, the U.S. Capitol was still under construction, with its cornerstone laid by President George Washington in 1793. The building would not be completed until 1826. Moore’s video, showing the stairs carved into stone and marked by signatures possibly left by past lawmakers or visitors, has rekindled public interest in the Capitol’s hidden spaces.

Although the discovery is far from conclusive regarding the exact historical use of the tunnel, Moore’s account has brought attention to the many concealed rooms and passageways within the Capitol. These secretive features were created during various phases of the Capitol’s construction and renovations over the years. The Lincoln Room itself holds significance, with a fireplace where President Lincoln reportedly sat to read letters during his presidency, adding layers to its historical importance. Moore, who often brings visitors to the room, expressed his admiration for the Capitol’s architectural details and rich history, showcasing the hidden aspects of the nation’s legislative heart.

The possibility that this tunnel was used during the 1814 British invasion has captured the imagination of many, even though Moore stressed that it remains speculative. However, the oral history surrounding the passage and the presence of old, sealed stairwells in the Capitol are testament to the building’s evolving nature and long, layered history. With its enduring role in American democracy, the Capitol continues to reveal new secrets, offering insights into the past while serving as the backdrop for the nation’s future.

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