RysloVerik t1_jbtlnxm wrote on March 11, 2023 at 4:46 PM

Why is the seal on the floor roped off?

infodriveway t1_jbtnglu wrote on March 11, 2023 at 4:58 PM

Because it’s been worn down from people walking on it. https://i.imgur.com/qJKOqBp.jpg

etcpt t1_jbtni58 wrote on March 11, 2023 at 4:58 PM

To keep people from accidentally damaging it by walking across it. It's made of bronze, which is fairly soft, so it wouldn't stand up to foot traffic. There's a bust of George Washington on one side of the rotunda that is rumored to grant good luck to those who rub his nose, and as a result his nose is much shinier than the rest of him because the patina wears off from everyone touching it.

RysloVerik t1_jbtoa3j wrote on March 11, 2023 at 5:04 PM

Similar to an Abe Lincoln in the Illinois capitol and another at his grave.

etcpt t1_jbtpptp wrote on March 11, 2023 at 5:14 PM

I've got to wonder how that tradition started - seems like there must have been a common thread.