Jimmy Carter to Lie in State at the U.S. Capitol. Here's What to Know About This Time-Honored Tradition
In a farewell to America’s longest-lived president, Jimmy Carter’s remains will make their final journey to Washington, D.C., marking a conclusion to a remarkable life that spanned a century. The 39th president, who passed away on December 29, 2024 at his home in Plains, Georgia, will receive one of the nation’s highest posthumous honors—the tradition of lying in state at the U.S. Capitol Rotunda. Here's everything to know about this historic occasion.
What’s the History of the Rotunda?
The Rotunda, often described as the Capitol’s “symbolic and physical heart,” was built between 1818 and 1824. Located at the literal center of Congress, the Rotunda serves as the ceremonial crossroads between the House and Senate chambers. Connected by corridors leading south to the House of Representatives and north to the Senate, the space is flanked by the semi-circular National Statuary Hall (the former House chamber until 1857) to the south and the Old Senate Chamber to the northeast—a room that served the Senate until 1859 and later the Supreme Court until 1935. Inspired by Rome’s ancient temple, Pantheon, but distinctly American in spirit, the Rotunda rises 180 feet from its floor of Seneca sandstone to its spectacular dome. Above, Constantino Brumidi’s breathtaking fresco “The Apotheosis of Washington” crowns the space—its 15-foot-tall figures are painted with such precision that they’re as clear from the floor as they are up close.
Eight massive historical paintings trace pivotal moments in American history. Four Revolutionary period scenes commissioned from John Trumbull in 1817—including the iconic "Declaration of Independence"—are complemented by four scenes of early exploration added between 1840 and 1855, such as the "Landing of Columbus" and the "Baptism of Pocahontas."
Who Gets to Lie in State?
The privilege of lying in state is not bestowed lightly. Since former U.S. Secretary of State Henry Clay became the first to receive this distinction in 1852, only 36 individuals have been granted this distinction, including 12 presidents. Notable figures who have lain in state include presidents like John F. Kennedy, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and most recently George H.W. Bush in 2018. Some families, including those of Harry Truman and Richard Nixon, have declined. In 2005, Rosa Parks became the first woman to lie in honor (a distinction from lying in state, which is reserved for government officials) in the Capitol Rotunda.
What Will Happen During President Carter’s Ceremony?
The ceremonial elements of lying in state follow a precise protocol. Military honor guards representing each branch of the armed forces maintain a constant vigil around the casket, changing guard every 30 minutes.
Today, Special Air Mission 39—a designation chosen to honor his presidency—will carry Carter's remains from Dobbins Air Reserve Base to Joint Base Andrews. Before reaching the Capitol, the procession will make a stop at the U.S. Navy Memorial, acknowledging Carter's distinguished service as a nuclear submarine officer.
Upon arrival, Carter’s casket will be carried up the Capitol steps by military body bearers and placed upon the Lincoln Catafalque—the same wooden platform that bore Abraham Lincoln’s remains in 1865. The ceremony will feature eulogies from Vice President Kamala Harris, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, and House Speaker Mike Johnson.
How Can the Public Visit?
The public will have the opportunity to pay their respects from Tuesday evening through Thursday morning. The U.S. Capitol rotunda will be open to visitors from 7 p.m. EST on January 7 until midnight, and the public can begin to line up at 6 p.m. EST.
On January 8th, visitation will reopen to the public starting at 7 a.m. EST and will remain open through Thursday, January 9th at 7 a.m. EST, according to the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center.
There are no other events open to the public Thursday when Carter's body will move from the U.S. Capitol to the National Cathedral.
President Biden has declared Thursday, January 9 a National Day of Mourning to coincide with the National Cathedral service on the same day. The state funeral for President Carter will start at the Washington National Cathedral at 10 a.m. EST. After the funeral, Carter's final journey will take him back to Plains, Georgia for a private service at Maranatha Baptist Church—where he taught Sunday School well into his 90’s—before his burial next to his beloved wife Rosalynn at their family home.
You Might Also Like
