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These mysterious columns in downtown DC used to guard the US Capitol

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In the heart of downtown D.C., three identical columns stand upright, seemingly in the middle of nowhere.

You would never guess these pillars used to stand guard over one of the District’s most important buildings 鈥 if you notice them at all.

In today鈥檚 episode of “Matt About Town,” WTOP’s Matt Kaufax heads to 15th Street and Constitution Avenue to learn the story behind the original U.S. Capitol pillars.

Hear 鈥淢att About Town鈥 first every Tuesday and Thursday on 103.5 FM!

If you have a story idea you鈥檇 like Matt to cover, email him, or chat with him on and .

Check out all 鈥淢att About Town鈥 episodes here!

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Matt Kaufax

If there's an off-the-beaten-path type of attraction, person or phenomenon in the D.C. area that you think more people should know about, Matt is your guy. An award-winning reporter for WTOP, he's always on the hunt for stories that provide a unique local flavor鈥攁 slice of life if you will.

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