Charles Bulfinch (1763-1844) came from a wealthy Boston family. Educated at Harvard, he traveled throughout Europe between 1785-1787, crossing paths with Thomas Jefferson. It was with Jefferson in Europe, that he began to learn about architecture. When he returned to the States, he decided to become a professional architect; he was involved in the planning of much of Boston. From 1817 to 1830 he was in charge of the design of the Capitol in Washington.