Capitol Buildings by State 2024

Pennsylvania

Located in downtown Harrisburg, the Pennsylvania State Capitol is the seat of the government when presiding over the state of Pennsylvania. The state capitol houses both the Senate and House of Representatives, as well as the superior and supreme courts of the state. In addition, the office of the governor is created and left both symbolically and practically when they are conducting important business. The building itself was ordered in the late 19th century, and construction took four years, eventually finishing in 1906. Joseph Miller Huston designed the concept in 1902 after taking the proposals and requests and wanted to do it in a Beaux-Arts style. The more astute observer will notice that even though the design is Beaux-Art, the building itself is decorated using the Renaissance style.

Currently, the building is lathered with sculptures, murals, and statues. the beautiful stained glass windows are a marvel to look at. Because of its natural beauty, it was called the Palace of Art and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977.

Iowa

The Iowa State Capitol is located in the capital city of Des Moines and is the only five-domed capitol in the entire country. Constructed between 1871 and 1886, the building took a long time to put together due to a lack of direction and funding. Much like other state capitols, the building houses the General Assembly, the House of Representatives, the Senate, and the Office of the Governor. The building itself is well-built and rectangular in shape with high ceilings and windows, decorated in the Renaissance style.

The elevation of the building is set higher than the rest of the city, which was done on purpose. Onlookers can take a panoramic view of the state capitol and take heed of its large number of sculptures. The exterior appearance of the building has decorative stone and decorative bricks, which makes it a significant historical center.

Vermont

One of the most iconic state capitals can be found in Vermont, in the city of Montpelier. It is a smaller building when compared to other designs, but the architectural style is named "Greek-revival", an adage to its large golden-colored dome that is supported by columns much like a pantheon. The building was designed in 1857 by architect Thomas Silloway, and his team completed the construction in 1859. The large entrance has portraits of the presidents Chester A. Arther and Calvin Coolidge, both with a proud heritage of being born in the state of Vermont.

Unlike many of the other Capitol Buildings, the state house does not have a rotunda found within. The most interesting sight can be found on top of the golden dome, named agriculture. This is an adage to what the state is known for and combines Roman mythology. The Roman goddess of agriculture is what gave the statue the name, which is said to bless the state with its fertile abundance, especially in terms of crop growth, wilderness, and wildlife diversity.