Well, here’s something you don’t see every day: a Republican Congressman actually doing something that makes history class seem cool again. Congressman Tim Moore (R-NC) just peeled back a piece of Capitol Hill—literally—and showed Americans a hidden tunnel system beneath the U.S. Capitol. Yep, we’re talking about secret stairways and underground passages, the kind of stuff that usually only shows up in conspiracy theories and Nicolas Cage movies.
In a video posted to X (formerly known as Twitter, but apparently the bird got evicted), Moore casually lifted up a floor panel like he was revealing a stash of Halloween candy. Underneath? A steep staircase covered in graffiti, which, in Washington D.C., might just be the signature of some angsty staffer or a leftover from when the Capitol was less about social media influencers and more about bayonets and muskets.
Come with me to see one of the hidden secrets of the Capitol!
The Lincoln Room is one of my favorite spots to bring visitors — when President Lincoln was serving in the House, he sat by the fireplace in this room to read his letters, but the most interesting part of the room is… pic.twitter.com/hp36jfQrk4
— Congressman Tim Moore (@RepTimMooreNC) May 9, 2025
Moore said these hidden passageways were built back when construction on the Capitol started in the 1700s. Now, apparently one of these tunnels might’ve actually played a role in the British invasion of 1814 during the War of 1812. That’s when British troops marched into D.C., burned down the Capitol, and proved once and for all that maybe leaving the British monarchy wasn’t such a bad idea after all.
“I’m told—I can’t verify this—but I’m told…” Moore admitted. Classic Capitol language. It’s the polite version of “I heard it from a guy who knows a guy.” Still, it lines up with some historical theories that invading forces entered the Capitol through lesser-known access points. Either way, it’s more educational than anything you’ll find in a Biden press conference. And probably more coherent.
Now, why does this matter? Because in an era when half of Congress acts like TikTok influencers and the other half seems to be auditioning for MSNBC pundit roles, it’s refreshing to see a Republican Congressman actually talking about American history, architecture, and tradition. Imagine that—a conservative reminding the country that, hey, this place has some real legacy built into its walls (and under them).
And let’s be real: this kind of transparency, even if it’s about secret tunnels, is the kind of openness we could use more of. Especially considering how much happens in the Capitol behind closed doors these days—backroom deals, shady votes, lobbyist whispers.
So hats off to Congressman Tim Moore. Keep lifting those floor panels and giving us a look at the past. Who knows? Maybe he’ll stumble on a copy of the Constitution that hasn’t been ignored. Wouldn’t that be something?
What do you think—should we be giving more tours of the Capitol’s hidden history?