The 10 Best State Capitol Buildings

There are a number of state capitols that are quite interesting to study and visit in the US. The capitols have quite an interesting history, outstanding domes, and beautiful structures. Some of the capitols are endowed with exhilarating artworks. The top ten state capitol building with the most interesting architectural designs and features are as discussed below.

10. Pennsylvania State Capitol

The Pennsylvania State Capitol is located in downtown Harrisburg. It is the seat of the government of the state of Pennsylvania. It houses the House of Representatives, Senate, the supreme and superior courts of the state, and the office of the governor. The building was constructed between 1902 and 1906. It was designed by Joseph Miller Huston in 1902. The design chosen by Miller was Beaux-Art. It was decorated in the Renaissance style. The building is endowed with a number of sculptures, statues, murals, and stained glass windows. For this reason, the building is often referred to as the ‘palace of art’. Due to its remarkable yet unique designe, the Pennsylvania State Capitol was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1977.

9. Iowa State Capitol

Iowa State Capitol is located in Des Moines. The building is the only five-domed capitol in the entire United States. The building was constructed between 1871 and 1886. The capitol houses the state’s General Assembly, House of Representatives, Office of Governor, Senate, and the Iowa Supreme Court. It is rectangular in shape, with large windows and high ceilings. It is decorated using the Renaissance style. The building is set on a higher elevation than the rest of the city, offering a panoramic view of the state. There are also a number of sculptures in the Capitol. The exterior region of the building is decorated with decorative stones and bricks, making it a significant historical center in the Iowa State.

8. Vermont State House

The Vermont State House is situated in Montpelier. The building’s architectural style is described as Greek Revival Architectural Style. The building was designed by Thomas Silloway in 1857. Its construction was completed in 1859. The entrance hall to the building has two large portraits of presidents Calvin Coolidge and Chester A. Arthur, both from Vermont. The state house does not have a rotunda. At the top of the dome is a statue known as Agriculture. It was named after the Roman goddess of agriculture.

7. Rhode Island State House

The Rhode Island State House is located on the border of the Downtown and Smith Hill in the state’s capital, Providence. The building houses the state’s General Assembly and the offices of the state’s governor. The design can be described as neo-classical. Mckim, Mead, and White is the architectural firm behind the construction of the building. It was constructed between 1895 and 1904. Its structure is dominated by white Georgia marble, bricks, and iron beams. The dome of the Rhodes Island State House is the fourth largest self-supporting dome in the entire world. On top of the dome is a sculpture of a bronze-gold man that represents independence and freedom. Due to its unique and intriguing design, the Rhodes Island State House was listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

6. Michigan State Capitol

The Michigan State Capitol is located in Ingham County. The architectural design of the Michigan State Capitol can be described as Renaissance. The architect behind the building was Elijah Myers. It has been in use since 1879. It is one of the first state capitols to have a lofty cast-iron dome. The Michigan State Capitol is a notable National Landmark in the country. The building was listed among the US National Historical Landmark in 1992.

5. Wisconsin State Capitol

The Wisconsin State Capitol is located in the state’s capital, Madison. It houses the office of the Governor, legislature, and Supreme Court. It has been in use since 1917. The capitol is the tallest building in Madison. It measures approximately 284 feet from the ground to the top of the dome. The architectural style is mainly the Beaux-Arts. The architect behind the building is George B. Post. The building’s structure was put up and decorated with 43 different kinds of stone. The exterior dome is the largest granite-built dome in the world. The statue on top of the dome was sculptured by Daniel Chester. The statue is referred to as the Wisconsin Statue. Wisconsin Capitol was listed as the National Historic Landmark in 2001.

4. Colorado State Capitol

The Colorado State Capitol houses the offices of the governor, General Assembly, and the Supreme Court. The architecture behind the building is Elijah Myers, with the architectural style being the neoclassical. The building, which is located in Denver, has been in use since 1894. The Colorado white granite dominates the building. Colorado rose onyx, a rare rose marble, was used to in the construction of the interior of the building. The dome is golden while the windows of the building are stained glass. There are also a number of portraits of the US presidents in the Capitol. Due to its uniqueness, interesting design, and history, the Colorado Capitol was listed in the National Register of Historic Place in 1974.

3. Connecticut State Capitol

The Connecticut State Capitol is located in Hartford. This building houses the state’s General Assembly, the Senate, the House of Representatives, and the offices of the Governor. Its architectural design can be described as Eastlake. In fact, it is among the largest buildings in the world that have been constructed using the Eastlake Style. The exterior of the building is constructed by marble from East Canaan and granite from Westerly. The building is endowed with a number of artworks such as portraits and sculptures. The dome, which stands out, is golden in color. The Connecticut State Capitol was listed as a National Historic Landmark in 1971.

2. Oklahoma State Capitol

The Oklahoma Capitol State is located in Lincoln Boulevard. The building was designed by Solomon Andrew Layton. The building houses the legislative and executive offices of Oklahoma State. Its architectural design can be described as a combination of Neoclassical and Renaissance Revival. The Oklahoma State Capitol is the only capitol ground in the US with active oil rigs. Many paintings and murals are on display on the capitol’s rotunda.

1. New York State Capitol

The New York State Capitol is located in Albany. Its construction was completed in 1899. In 1899, the New York State Capitol was the most expensive government building. The construction of the enormous building took 32 years. During its construction, 5 different architects managed the construction at different stages of the construction. The architectural design of the New York State Capitol can be described as a combination of Neo-Renaissance and Romanesque Revival. The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971 and National Historic Landmark in 1979.