West Virginia State Capitol in Charleston – The Mountain State

West Virginia State Capitol - Front

We finally made it to our 45th state and a new capitol in the city of Charleston, West Virginia! We were there late in the day so there wasn’t a whole lot going on. However we were still able to do a self-guided tour and learn a little bit about the building and its history.

West Virginia State Capitol - Flag with Gene

I will start with a bit of that history. The West Virginia State Capitol building is actually the third for the state, and was officially dedicated on June 20th, 1932 by their current Governor William B. Conley happily on the state’s 69th birthday. What a day that must have been. It had taken 8 years, and three construction projects before it was ready for public usage. The west wing was built first between 1924 and 1925. Once that was finished, the east wing was constructed in 1926 and 1927. Between 1930 and 1932 the rotunda was completed which connected the west and east wings.

West Virginia State Capitol - Dome

Atop the capitol is the 293-foot gold dome which is stated to be five feet taller than the dome of the United States Capitol.  Either way, it is covered in copper and gold leaf, and was originally gilded by Mack Jenney and Tyler Company in 1931. The dome was later restored to the original plans of Cass Gilbert in 2005, which included the reconstruction of the eagle at the top of a 25-foot bronze spire built on a 34 and a half-foot lantern.

Rotunda

West Virginia State Capitol - Chandeller

Most rotundas in the state capitols are amazing, and this state house was no exception. Suspending 180 feet from the floor of the building on a 54-foot brass and bronze chain is a 4000-pound chandelier. It is made of 10,000 pieces of Czechoslovakian crystal, is eight feet in diameter, and is illuminated by 96 light bulbs. It is quite impressive.

West Virginia State Capitol - Us Inside

I love marble and was also impressed with how much of it was at the West Virginia State Capitol. They state the two thirds of the interior consist of marble. The walls are made of Imperial Danby, and the floors are a combination of white Vermont marble and dark Italian travertine. It was very beautiful. I think it even had more marble than the South Dakota State Capitol in Pierre.

Ground Floor

West Virginia State Capitol - Rotunda1

On the first floor of the west wing side of the capitol you will find the Governor’s Offices, the Governor’s Reception room, as well as the Secretary of State’s Offices. On the east side, you will find the Attorney General offices, the Agriculture Commissioner office, as well as the Bill Drafting and Legislative Services office.

Second Floor

West Virginia State Capitol - Chambers

On the west wing side of the building you will find the Senate Chamber, the Senate Majority leader’s office, and many other Senate related offices. On the east wing side of the capitol you will find the House of Delegates Chamber, the House Speaker’s office, the House Majority Leaders office, as well as many House related offices. Couple of interesting things to note, that while the chambers are similar, there are quite a few specific differences. Two rows of coffers grace the arches above the Senate chamber, while the House has only one. There are carved eagles in each of the chambers which are also a little different. The ones in the Senate have their wings spread, while the ones in the House are closed. Another unique difference between the two chambers is their ceilings. The Senate is dome shaped, while the one in the House is flat.

West Virginia State Capitol - Side

I was very happy to be able to see and explore the West Virginia State Capitol. I have to say we had a nice time walking around the building while getting a little turned around at times, lol (it is actually WAY bigger than it looks) but everyone we spoke with was very friendly and quick to answer any questions we had.

West Virginia State Capitol - Gardens

However, a tour is not complete without checking out some of the statues on the Capitol Grounds.  Below is a list of some of these statues you might like to see:

  • West Virginia Veterans Memorial
  • The West Virginia Female Veterans statue
  • Spirit of West Virginia
  • Booker T. Washington
  • The Liberty Bell
  • Mountaineer Solder
  • “Stonewall” Jackson
  • Abraham Lincoln Walks at Midnight
  • Soldiers and Sailors Monument
  • The Coal Miner Statue

West Virginia State Capitol Visitor Information

Address:

1900 Kanawha Boulevard East Charleston, West Virginia

Phone:

304- 558-4839

Hours:

The Capitol is open from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday and 12 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sunday and Holidays.

Price:

Free

Tours:

State Capitol tours, and tours of the Governor’s Mansion are available for guests, school groups, etc., by calling Capitol Tours & Information – (304) 558-4839

Individuals and groups may also tour the nearby Culture Center and West Virginia State Museum – (304) 558-0220

Directions:

From points North: Take I-77 South to the Greenbrier Street/ State Capitol Exit (Exit 99), turn right off the exit ramp onto Greenbrier Street, then turn left at Washington Street into the State Capitol parking lot.

From points East: Take I-68 West to I-79 South, then to I-77 South. Take the Greenbrier Street/ State Capitol Exit (Exit 99), turn right off the exit ramp onto Greenbrier Street, then turn left at Washington Street into the State Capitol parking lot.

From points South: Take I-77 North to the Greenbrier Street/ State Capitol Exit (Exit 99), turn left off the exit ramp onto Greenbrier Street, then turn left at Washington Street into the State Capitol parking lot.

From points West: Take I-64 East to the Greenbrier Street/ State Capitol Exit (Exit 99), turn right off the exit ramp onto Greenbrier Street, then turn left at Washington Street into the State Capitol parking lot.

Parking & Shuttle:

Shuttle service is provided between the Capitol Complex and the Laidley Field parking area in three shifts, a morning shift, a midday shift and an afternoon shift. The shuttle departs from Laidley Field starting at 6:45 a.m. All other shifts the shuttle starts at Building 3. The last run of the day begins at 5:15 p.m. Each complete run of the shuttle is approximately 10-15 minutes depending on traffic lights and traffic.

The shuttle does not operate typically between 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. and 1:45 p.m.-3:00 p.m. The Schedule also includes a number to call if more information or assistance is needed. The stops include: Laidley Field, Capitol Parking Garage {North Side}, Building 3 {North Side}, Building 5, Building 6, Capitol Building East Wing, Capitol Building West Wing & Cultural Center Entrances. The shuttle bus is handicapped accessible.

Accessibility:

All public entrances to the State Capitol are wheel chair accessible.

Food:

The Capitol Complex Food Court is located in the basement of the main capitol building. It is open Monday-Friday – 7:00am – 1:30pm. Menus, contact information and more are available through the Food Court’s website: https://www.wvcapitolfoodcourt.com/

Montana State Capitol in Helena – The Treasure State

Montana State Capitol - Front

In September of 2019, we took a road trip and we were finally able to visit Montana and check off another state we had not been to before. This was the 40th state we visited and we were able to tour the Montana State Capitol while in the Helena area. It was a very interesting state capitol and the grounds were pretty nice to check out as well. I am not sure how many capitols we had been to at that point, but we are slowly making our way toward our desire to visit each capitol one day.

Continue reading “Montana State Capitol in Helena – The Treasure State”

Wyoming State Capitol – The Equality State

Wyoming State Capitol - FrontOn our continued quest to visit all 50 capitol buildings, we decided to stop on our road trip to Billings, MT in May of 2021 to check out the Wyoming State Capitol in Cheyenne. We had been through the capitol many years ago (long before we moved her to CO 15 years ago) but recently it had been closed for renovations. It was actually closed for over four years. I had driven by it with my nephew when we went to Cody, Wyoming to show him, but it was still closed. They are still only doing self-guided tours thanks to the idiot in China XI Jinping, but at least we were able to take a tour ourselves. It is very beautiful inside and out.

Continue reading “Wyoming State Capitol – The Equality State”

Michigan State Capitol in Lansing – The Great Lakes State

Michigan State Capitol - FrontIn May of 2021, we were happy to be able to stop in and do a tour of the Michigan State Capitol in Lansing, Michigan on our way back to Detroit after seeing the beautiful Mackinaw Bridge and Mackinaw Island. I am not exactly sure which state number this is, but we are close to 30-35 I think. Anyway, it is a beautiful capitol and I am happy we were able to take a tour.

Continue reading “Michigan State Capitol in Lansing – The Great Lakes State”

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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New Mexico State Capitol in Santa Fe – The Land of Enchantment

New Mexico State Capitol - FrontWhile on a trip to Albuquerque, NM  in October of 2007 to see the annual Balloon Fiesta we added in an extra couple of days to check out Santa Fe. We have been to many state capitol buildings as we have traveled the US. I have to say though that one of the most interesting we visited was the New Mexico State Capitol. It is the only round state capitol in the United States. Informally it is also known as “the Roundhouse”).  What impressed me was that it was also designed to resemble the Zia Sun Symbol when viewed from above. The capitol contains 232,346 square feet and was dedicated on December 8, 1966. Continue reading “New Mexico State Capitol in Santa Fe – The Land of Enchantment”

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”

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.

Continue reading “South Dakota State Capital in Pierre – The Land of Infinite Variety”

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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Florida State Capitol Building – The Sunshine State

Florida State Capitol - FrontA wonderful trip to Pensacola in May of 2011 lead us to stop in Tallahassee to tour the Florida State Capitol. It is an architecturally and historically significant building, having been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. What we found interesting is that there are actually two buildings. We eagerly decided to tour both, if we could. When we arrived, we found out that they do have guided tours, but we missed the last one for the day, but were able to pick up a self-guided tour brochure and found our way around this amazing capitol building. Continue reading “Florida State Capitol Building – The Sunshine State”