Utah State Capitol Building (Salt Lake City)

The Utah state capitol building is a majestic structure inside and out and is worth a quick visit to check it out. Sharing the domed architecture typical of  most state capitol buildings, my kids couldn't wait to see how it was painted from the inside.  Making our way up the steps we were surprised by the absence of metal detectors and security guards that we've found at just about every statehouse we've ever … [Read more...]

State Capitol Buildinge (Pierre)

Destination #5: North and South Dakota

You can't drive through South Dakota without going to the South Dakota State Capitol Building in Pierre.  For some reason that state capitol always stuck out in my mind when I was memorizing the 50 state capitols in grade school. I always thought the way to pronounce it was like the French name Pierre (Pee-air), but it’s not. If you want to sound like a local and pronounce it correctly, it’ pronounced … [Read more...]

Oregon State Capitol Building (Salem)

Oregon State Capitol Building

The Oregon State Capitol building is still one we have yet to see.  Sadly our travels did not take us through Salem.  If you do go, please let me know what it's like.  How is the rotunda? Any cool artifacts?  I think my kids and I are going to have to do one last roundup to check out all the state capitols we've missed.  There aren't that many but they are sure in some far flung places.... … [Read more...]

Connecticut State Capitol Building (Hartford)

Connecticut State Capitol Building

While most state capitol building mimic our nations's capitol with the traditional dome, occasionally some dare to be different.  The Connecticut State Capitol Building is one of those that breaks tradition with it's unique and original architecture.  It's kind of hard to describe, but I'd say it seemed like a cathedral crossed with a bavarian castle.  Inside there are tons of bronze sculptures, some pretty … [Read more...]

State Capitol Building (Olympia)

Washington and Oregon

The Washington State Capitol Building looks so much like the Capitol in D.C. from the that I almost had to do a double take.  Inside check out the dome in the rotunda which sits about the state seal in the floor which has a portrait of George Washington which I thought was odd, that his likeness would be on the floor.  The seal is roped off as apparently too many folks were stepping on Georges nose...Really? This … [Read more...]

North Carolina State Capitol Building (Raleigh)

Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina

If you are keen on visiting every state capitol when the opportunity arises like we are, then you don't want to miss the North Carolina State Capitol Building.  We just couldn't wait to visit since we'd seen some much amazing stuff in North Carolina, but as soon as we entered we were disappointed because it just didn't live up to our expectations.  Raliegh is a very lush and beautiful city, and we expected that … [Read more...]

State Capitol Building (Santa Fe)

Destination #4: New Mexico and Colorado

The New Mexico State Capitol Building in Santa Fe was not what we expected.  It's pretty modern and unlike most statehouses that we've seen.  Unfortunately as we got there when it was closed so we missed checking out the inside.  Here are a few interesting facts though.  The New Mexico statehouse is the only round state capitol building in the U.S. and it was designed to resemble the Zia Sun Symbol with four … [Read more...]

State Capitol Building (Helena)

Destination #3: Idaho, Wyoming and Montana

The Montana State Capitol Building was completed in 1902 and is a beautiful domed structure made of Montana sandstone and granite.  Inside is a spectacular rotunda with four circular paintings which depict for important types of people in Montana's early history. They are 1. a Native American, 2. an explorer and fur trapper, 3. a gold miner, and 4. a cowboy. There are a few other significant paintings, making this a … [Read more...]

Georgia State Capitol Building (Atlanta)

Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina

Time to explore the Georgia Capitol Building. Ever eat a dish that didn’t have enough salt or spices? That’s how Georgia’s capitol building is—bland. The building is pretty from the outside and as we drove up  we were super excited to run in and see what treasures lay in store for us inside..  Sadly,  inside there just wasn't a lot going on in fact it couldn't hold a candle to some of the more elaborate … [Read more...]