South Carolina State House in Columbia – The Palmetto State

South Carolina State House - 1

One our desire to see all US State Capitols we marked off the South Carolina State Capitol while in the Columbia area in June of 2012. We had just done a tour earlier of the Georgia State Capitol and I was looking forward to comparing the two. This capitol, most commonly known as The South Carolina State House, is located in the center of Columbia and lies at the confluence of the Saluda River and Broad River which merge at Columbia to form the Congaree River. It was there that in 1860, the South Carolina Secession Convention took place and their delegates voted for secession, making South Carolina the first state to leave the Union in the events leading up to the Civil War. I was looking forward to exploring this historic capitol building. Continue reading “South Carolina State House in Columbia – The Palmetto State”

Canal Walk – Downtown Indianapolis, Indiana

Canal Walk 1While walking around the downtown area in Indianapolis, Indiana in April of 2021, we came across the beautiful Indiana Canal which they fondly call the Canal Walk. This walk was built in the 1800s to help facilitate interstate commerce but didn’t actually work out the way it was intended. Originally the canal was supposed to extend 296 miles from Peru, Indiana, to Evansville, Indiana, where it would reach the Ohio River (part of the canal-building craziness started after the building of the Erie Canal).

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Indiana State Capitol in Indianapolis- The Hoosier State

Indiana State Capitol - FrontIn April of this year, 2021,  we still had some airline vouchers we had to use and decided to spend a 3 day weekend exploring Indianapolis. One of the main things Gene wanted to see and do of course was the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Fortunately, we got to see that as well as the Indiana State Capitol building (aka the Statehouse) and the Canal Walk. It is a beautiful Capitol full of history.

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The Maryland State House in Annapolis – The Old Line State

 Maryland State House - FrontIn August of 2009, we found ourselves in Maryland and were able to catch a couple of games at Camden Yards, visit Fort McHenry, as well as tour the Maryland State Capitol. More formally known as the Maryland State House. Whatever they call it, I call it beautiful. Not only was the architecture of the Capitol beautiful, but the grounds were also amazing. We had a great time walking around and taking in its history. Continue reading “The Maryland State House in Annapolis – The Old Line State”

The Alaska State Capitol in Juneau – The Last Frontier

Alaska State Capitol - BldgWe are still excited every time we get to a new state or new capitol. One of the more recent state capitols we got to see in July of 2020 was the Alaska State Capitol in Juneau. A lot of people have put down the capitol, like the one in Bismarck, ND, but I found it very beautiful. I guess they look at it like any other office building, but as I said, I still liked it. It is unique, and that’s what makes it special.  Another reason is that it doesn’t have a dome like a few other states.

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South Dakota State Capital in Pierre – The Land of Infinite Variety

South Dakota State Capitol - FrontWhile in South Dakota for the LWMS Convention, we decided to check out the South Dakota State Capitol building in Pierre. It is a wonderful capitol and I really liked all the marble. The capitol features a copper dome, Corinthian columns, rusticated walls of granite and Bedford limestone, and a decorative interior with English and Italian Renaissance features. It was constructed between 1905 and 1910. The plans for the building were designed by the Minneapolis architectural office of C.E. Bell and M.S. Detwiler, who gave the building similar features to the Montana State Capitol in Helena, Montana. The planning and construction cost was almost $1,000,000. I have to say, it was well worth it.

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Arkansas State Capitol in Little Rock – The Natural State

Arkansas State Capitol - FrontFor my birthday in October of 2020, we had to change plans (for the third time, 🙁 ) and did a road trip to Arkansas. The main reason was to see the Arkansas State Capitol, which was actually open, and it was the only state we hadn’t been to this is west of the Mississippi River. Not sure how that happened during all of our travels in the south, but we hadn’t been yet. Thus we were very happy to be able to explore this state and the capitol building.

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The New York State Capitol in Albany – The Empire State

New York State Capitol - FrontOur latest quest to visit all 50 capitol buildings took us to the New  York State Capitol in Albany. This has to be one of the most interesting and remarkable state capitols we have seen. Up until this point, I think the one is Salt Lake City was the best, but this one definitely gives it a run for its money.  It looks more like a mansion than a state capitol. It took 32 years to “complete” at a cost of $25 million which is approximately half a billion current dollars.  As you would imagine, it was the most expensive government building of its time. Continue reading “The New York State Capitol in Albany – The Empire State”

Oregon State Capitol in Salem – She Flies With Her Own Wings

Oregon State Capitol - FrontGene and I set a lofty goal to travel and visit all 50 state capitols. We had been to quite a few of them separately, but have seen many together. I am going to share those visits here on my blog every now and then, so today I am going to share our 26th capitol and our official start to the second half of our objective. The capitol I am referring to is the Oregon State Capitol which is located in Salem. Continue reading “Oregon State Capitol in Salem – She Flies With Her Own Wings”

Hawaii State Capitol in Oahu – The Beautiful Aloha State

Hawaii State Capitol FrontOur continual pursuit of visiting all 50 state capitol buildings led us to the Hawaii State Capitol in Honolulu in December 2016. We have been to more than half of the capitols, and this one had some of the most friendly workers and tour guides. Before we even started the tour, we were let into one of the offices to take a picture of their Bronze State Seal. I love the state seals, and this was so nice of them to let us do this. We could definitely feel the aloha spirit here. 🙂 Continue reading “Hawaii State Capitol in Oahu – The Beautiful Aloha State”