Photo by Sean Pavone at Shutterstock
Each state in the US is iconic for various reasons, but there’s one thing they all have in common: the State Capitol building. We’re all familiar with the US Capitol building in Washington, DC.
But some of the most interesting and, dare we say, most beautiful state capitol buildings in the US aren’t exact replicas of the iconic one in Washington.
Classical influences overflow, of course. But capitol buildings from New York to Florida come in many different shapes and sizes. Some are even endowed with exhilarating artworks.
Many don’t have a dome, others are built in the Art Deco style or open-air courtyards, and some aren’t even white.
There are capitol buildings in every state, each with its own unique design and features, celebrating architecture, history, and local heritage.
Discover the 11 most beautiful state capitol buildings in the US, which we’ve rounded up, and see some of the most unique buildings.
…Click “Next” below and find out which of them we’ve chosen!
The historical importance of the Illinois State Capitol actually dates back to well before when Abraham Lincoln tried cases in its courthouse rooms. You’ll instantly feel the building’s significance once you enter through the doors of this beautiful building.
This is one of the most beautiful state capitol buildings. But it’s also the tallest one, constructed in the classical style.
It was finished in 1888, being the 6th building designated as the state capitol because of the rapid growth of the population. An aerial view of the building shows a cross-shaped design pointing in the compass directions.
The towering silver dome complements the decorative exterior, featuring frieze decorations and stained glass depicting the history of the state.
Visitors can explore the many sculptures found inside and take guided tours through various rooms and halls to see where the House and Senate meet.
This State Capitol is located in downtown Harrisburg, and it’s the seat of the government in this state. It’s home to the House of Representatives, Senate, the superior and supreme courts of the state, but also the office of the governor.
This is one of the most beautiful state capitol buildings in the US it was built between 1902 and 1906 and was designed by Joseph Miller Huston in 1902.
While the design chosen by Miller was Beaux-Art, it was actually decorated in the Renaissance style. The building has several statues, sculptures, murals, and stained glass windows. And for this reason, the building is also known as the ‘Palace of Art.’
Due to its remarkable yet unique design, the Pennsylvania State Capitol was listed in the National Register of Historic Places back in 1977.
The New York State Capitol’s construction was completed in 1899, and at the time, it was considered the most expensive government building. During its 32-year production, 5 different architects managed the construction at various stages of development.
The grand design was hand-built by skilled masons, taking over a few decades, and the unique Romanesque Revival style holds lots of secrets behind its doors.
The enchanting lure of it is that it’s one of the most distinct capitols. It’s part of the Empire State Plaza in Albany’s downtown area, and the architecture differs significantly from other capitol buildings, making it a can’t-miss for visitors to the area.
Visitors can tour the 4 floors of the structure to see lots of historical art and decorations proudly displayed. The outdoors is just as impressive as the inside. There are lots of statues for decoration around the immaculate grounds.
This building is the only five-domed Capitol in the entire US and was inaugurated in 1886. The capitol houses the state’s General Assembly, Senate, House of Representatives, Office of Governor, and the Iowa Supreme Court.
This State Capitol structure follows a refined Renaissance style with grand windows and high ceilings. Its largest dome is constructed of steel and stone and coated in 23-carat gold, while four smaller domes can be seen on the rectangular corners of the building.
The stone and granite came from quarries in Iowa, while the actual structure’s interior uses 29 types of imported and domestic marble. A grand staircase leads you to the House of Representatives in the north and the Senate in the south.
The structure is set on a higher elevation than the rest of Des Moines, offering panoramic views of its surroundings. The outer region of the building is adorned with decorative stones and bricks, making it an important historical center in the state of Iowa.
Thanks to its careful design to include lots of symbolism, the Washington State Capitol is known as one of America’s best state capitol buildings. The most impressive feature of it is the self-supporting masonry dome. It’s the fifth-largest of its kind worldwide.
Washington state is the 42nd state which was added to the Union, so the structure has several features to commemorate that.
Walk up to the capitol building across 42 stairs, and you’ll get a glimpse of unofficial 42-star flags hanging around the building.
Additionally, the building showcases lots of art and designs depicting George Washington. Large sculptures, busts, and even floor decorations are prominently displayed throughout it.
This Capitol is part of a larger campus that hosts many other government buildings, including the Governor’s Mansion. The Capitol, also known as the Legislative Building, allows visitors to even sit in on legislative sessions while on tour.
Vermont’s State Capitol is one of the oldest state capitols in the US. It’s situated in Montpelier, and at the top of the dome is a statue called Agriculture, named after the Roman goddess of agriculture. Thomas Silloway designed it in 1857, and it was completed in 1859.
The entrance lobby to the building has two huge portraits of presidents Calvin Coolidge and Chester A. Arthur, who were both from Vermont. Besides having a relatively small downtown area, Montpelier is also the smallest state capital in the US.
The capitol is the focal point of this town. The golden dome is once again an iconic feature and immediately grabs your attention as you drive around Montpelier.
This State Capitol is located beautifully, with its grounds leading into Bushnell Park for a refreshing contrast to Hartford’s downtown area. It’s known as one of America’s best state capitol buildings because of its charm and historical significance.
Finished in 1910, this capitol is the third edition to the building, now featured more prominently as an iconic state symbol.
The pure white marble building is topped with a golden dome to showcase a large-scale Eastlake architecture style, and it’s the largest of its kind. It’s open to the public to admire its interior design and exhibits and features several galleries with historical artifacts and the famous Hall of Flags.
Visitors can take guided tours of the House and Senate, including visiting the Legislative Office Building, which is connected to the capitol via an underground tunnel.
…Want to make a case for YOUR beloved state capitol? Let us know in the comments, and we’ll be sure to add it next time!
Located in Beacon Hill, the downtown neighborhood of Boston, this State House is situated in one of the best areas for daily visitors. As you walk across the Boston Common, you can’t help but notice yet another gold dome standing proudly overlooking the downtown metropolis.
The history of the Massachusetts State Capitol dates back to 1798 on a 6.7-acre plot of land owned by its former governor John Hancock.
The infamous dome, a vital feature of this state capitol, was initially made wooden, but Paul Revere’s company blanketed the dome in copper. The dome was painted in gold leaf in 1874 to provide it with the look you see today.
Of all the US State Capitol buildings, the one in West Virginia may be one of the best designed. It’s the result of Thomas Jefferson, who wanted to model the capitol after a Roman temple in France.
Over time it has since been expanded, only adding to its luxury within the Capitol Square of Richmond. It was finally completed in 1932, with its wings being added later.
It’s built in a traditional classical revival style and proudly displays towering white columns to welcome visitors to its entrance. While in the area, it’s hard not to stop and marvel at the building’s beauty while passing by, but fortunately, it’s open to the public for tours of its interior.
The tour allows visitors to explore the rich history of the building and the state itself. Inside, you’ll find several works of art and sculptures, including a famous statue of George Washington.
The Wisconsin State Capitol houses the office of the Governor, legislature, and Supreme Court. It’s been in use since 1917 and is the tallest building in Madison, measuring 284ft from the ground to the dome’s top.
The architect behind this building is George B. Post, and its style is mainly the Beaux-Arts. The structure was put up and decorated with 43 different types of stone, and the exterior has the largest granite-built dome in the world.
Daniel Chester sculptured the statue on top of the dome that’s referred to as the Wisconsin Statue. Inside, visitors can find hand-crafted furniture and glass mosaics.
The massive size of the Texas State Capitol is a true representation of the Texas identity and is celebrated for its beautiful architectural design. And while it may be one of the most beautiful state capitol buildings in the US, there’s much more than meets the eye here.
It was completed in 1888, but an underground section was added in 1993.
The result of the multi-level extension nearly doubled its size, even though only a tiny glimpse can be peeped in the opening of the capitol grounds. The above-ground exterior is mainly constructed from limestone, representing an Italian Renaissance Revival style.
This building is highlighted in downtown Austin which is the subject of much of Texan and US history. The site hosts guided interior tours, exploring the rooms decorated with historical paintings and antique furniture.
Visitors can also stroll through the capitol gardens, discovering the unique statues and figures decorating them.
How many of these state capitols have YOU visited? We suggest making a bucket list and visiting them all…Just remember to bring your camera along for the ride. If you don’t have one, our friends at Amazon can help you out. Here’s our favorite pick: Canon EOS Rebel T7 DSLR Camera with 18-55mm Lens
Also, check out: 12 American Ruins And Their Incredible Stories
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