Hallet, Étienne Sulpice

Hallet, Étienne Sulpice (ātyĕn` sülpēs` älā`), 1755–1825, French architect. He emigrated c.1789 to the United States, where he became known as Stephen Hallet. Before the opening of the public competition for the design of the Capitol, at Washington, D.C., Hallet had submitted designs to Thomas Jefferson, then Secretary of State. His plan consisted of a monumental central dome with flanking wings, and he was encouraged to go on with the project. In 1793, however, the design submitted by William Thornton was approved and adopted by the President, who, in justice to Hallet, retained him as supervisor of the execution of Thornton's plans. When, however, Hallet attempted to introduce some alterations in Thornton's design, he was dismissed from the post.