October

The Alaska State Capitol, #44 in the count-up (or #7 in the Capitol Countdown) was Awesome!  I didn’t go to Alaska with any expectations, but what I found were plenty of surprises…like a Glacier (more on that later). Ended up having the longest personal tour of a state Capitol so far, and took the most number of pictures, which is probably not a coincidence. This’ll take more than one posting. I didn’t find any igloos […]

Washington State is the only state in the union named after a president, but did you know that “Washington” was their second choice for a state name?  (“Columbia” was their first choice, but it was nixed by D. C.  politicians before it, too, adopted the Washington mantle.)  That’s a pretty cool distinction, as is having the largest amount of marble and tallest masonry dome of any state Capitol, as well as the largest bronze Tiffany […]

Built in 1938, the Oregon State Capitol was only the second one so far that had a cupola instead of a dome on top of it. True to form and, perhaps, mirroring this environmentally-friendly state with votes cast mostly by mail and having two-thirds covered by desert, this capitol was unique. (State Motto: She flies with her own wings. Nickname: the Beaver State. FYI…it is pronounced Or-a- gun.)  Salem, Oregon, even had a unique Walk […]

Hawaii is certainly a friendly place…and this was within the first few hours!Hawaii’s Capitol reflects their open, airy culture, having an outdoor courtyard in the middle of the complex.  Pictured are all of Hawaii’s governors since statehood in 1959. The Shaka sign that I’m showing in the Governor’s office expresse…s the Aloha spirit. It was popularized by surfers and is a common gesture of friendship and as one of the locals told me, it is […]

As you would expect, the California Capitol is beautiful!  While similarities exist between Texas’, the white marble exterior make this one stand out.  Though the interior was impressive, it was light on artwork except for the portraits of …Lincoln and Washington in the chambers and all the Governors’ adorning the hallways.  Once again the people I spent time with really made my visit memorable, like the Sargent-atArms staff (Josh, Rich and Lynne), plus the  newscaster […]

Probably known best for its famous attractions like Las Vegas and Lake Tahoe, Nevada has even more to offer! What a beautiful state…and lots of pictures. I also liked the quote outside of it about the people of Nevada being “grateful to Almighty God.”

Idaho was certainly a gem! Pardon the pun, since that is one of its nicknames, but it really was.  Recently refurbished, the white marble with black marbling through it was striking. Upon entering the governor’s office, I was told that this… would be the only time that I find an otter, and it was…in Governor C. L. “Butch” Otter’s office. Also prominent, was  George Washington inside and both Abraham Lincoln (largest in the West) and […]