Background
Thornton, William was born on May 20, 1759 in Jost van Dyke, Virgin Islands, United States. Son of William and Dorcas Downing (Zeagens) Thornton.
architect inventor public official
Thornton, William was born on May 20, 1759 in Jost van Dyke, Virgin Islands, United States. Son of William and Dorcas Downing (Zeagens) Thornton.
Attended U. Edinburgh (Scotland), 1781-1784. Doctor of Medicine Aberdeen (Scotland) U., 1784.
Arrived in New York City, 1787, became United States citizen in Delaware, 1788. Earned prize for design of Library Company of Philadelphia, 1789. Associate with John Fitch in experimenting with paddle-driven steamboats, 1778-1790, advanced much of cost.
Won competition for design of National Capitol, Washington, District of Columbia, 1792, received post as commissioner City of Washington, 1794-1802, supervised construction Capitol until replaced by Latrobe, 1803. North Wing constructed in accordance with Thornton’s ideas, construction of South Wing conformed with it, 1800. His idea of great central rotunda also adhered to by later architects of building.
Supervised construction of George Washington’s 2 houses in Washington, District of Columbia, 1798-1799. Built the Octagon for John Tayloe, 1798-1800 (standing in 1935 and had become headquarters American International Assurance). Made sketches for 2 buildings at University of Virginia, one of which (Pavillion VII) was built.
Clerk in charge patents State Department, 1802-1828, saved Patent Office from destruction during capture of Washington by British, 1814.
Married Anna Maria Brodeau, October 13, 1790.