William Thornton
American planter and politician
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Q: Who was William Thornton?
A: William Thornton was a British-American physician, inventor, and architect who designed the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C.
Q: When and where was William Thornton born?
A: William Thornton was born on May 20, 1759, in the British Virgin Islands.
Q: What were William Thornton's notable achievements?
A: William Thornton's notable achievements include being the architect of the United States Capitol, winning the design competition in 1793. He also made contributions to medicine, particularly in the field of yellow fever research.
Q: Where did William Thornton study and practice medicine?
A: William Thornton studied medicine at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. He later practiced medicine in the British Virgin Islands and moved to the United States in 1787.
Q: What was William Thornton's role in politics?
A: William Thornton served as a member of the Virginia House of Burgesses, representing Norfolk and Princess Anne counties in Virginia. He was a prominent figure in Virginia politics during the late 18th century.