Bulfinch Building, ca. 1800-1981., 1800-1981.

Designed by architect Charles Bulfinch, the cornerstone of the Bulfinch Building was laid July 4, 1818. Construction of the was completed under the direction of Alexander Parris when Bulfinch was called upon to the design the nation’s Capitol. Between 1821 and 1868 more than 8,000 operations were performed in building's Ether Dome, which is housed in this building. One door still bears the words “Operating Room.” Since then, the dome served as a storage area until 1873, a dormitory until 1889, a dining room for nurses until 1892, and most recently as a teaching amphitheater.