See Your Capitol

Wow, my first capitol was just as I had hoped…and even better! Joined by my sister (Jolly) and brother (Joe) at the Pennsylvania State Capitol, I had a warm greeting by Capitol Policeman Rick Smith and found references to what I was looking for even before I entered. On a concrete bench to the right of the front door, it reads: “May God Preserve the Constitution and the Union” and there is an incredible statue […]

When I arrived in Albany, it was right around 4:00 p.m.  The good news was that parking was plentiful but unfortunately, the capitol was emptying out since it was quitting time and a building loses a lot of energy without many people around. The New York State Capitol is castle-like and something you’d expect to see in Europe. Its grand, stately architecture was even more obvious when one very helpful woman guided to me to […]

By the time that I got to the capitol building in Vermont with its large gold dome, I felt like a beaten warrior.  But my energy was revived when I looked up an old friend who now works across the street at the Secretary of State’s office. Michelle Bean’s words of encouragement and reflection gave me new energy as she toured me around the capitol and we admired historical and patriotic items on display, including […]

The drive to Augusta, Maine was a bit circuitous with no direct route, but was easier being done mid-day.  As I drove past the front of their capitol building, I noticed it was on a hill and the main entrance was toward the back, adjacent to the Legislative Library. From the moment I walked in to the Maine State House, I ran into some very helpful and professional staffers who offered direction, tours and answers.  […]

There was a sense of patriotism as soon as I got to Concord, starting at the gas station and when I learned that state moto is: Live Free or Die.  I even met a couple at the Marriott Courtyard; Glenn and Linda were glad to meet someone who was doing something so patriotic and spiritual and insisted on praying for me.  Located in a downtown, neighborly setting on its own city block (2.6 acres), it […]

The drive to Boston was relatively short and my goal was to get to three capitols today (because they were close together), so I started in New Hampshire early and got here by noon.  (Having practiced at this capitol earlier in the year and previously made it easier.)  Located in the heart of the city and across from the Boston Commons, this capitol building is very unique with a black rod iron fence, and capped […]

The drive to Providence was the shortest distance between any two capitols: only 50 miles.  On top of a Smith Hill, the Rhode Island State House is visible from Interstate 95 and was easy to find. Besides the warm greeting that I received from the capitol policeman through a door left open to take advantage of the warm breeze, the things that stood out most were the marble staircases, balconies and Roman columns and a […]

The Connecticut State Capitol could be easily seen from the highway/exit ramp off of Interstate 84.  It had a faint resemblance to the one in New York and a cross between a medieval castle and the Vatican from a distance. The grounds were even more impressive as I got close to the marble and granite building with stained glass windows, only eclipsed by the helpfulness of capitol police officers Scott Driscoll and Jan Horan.   […]

The New Jersey State House looks like a government building with its Romanesque columns, balconies and sculpted stone and less like a traditional capitol than the other ones so far. Also unusual was its narrow streets in the center of downtown and its street level entrance.   (I couldn’t even get back far enough to see the dome on top!) This is one of the oldest capitol buildings in use today and security was so […]

The Legislative Hall in Dover is a red brick, Colonial style building with white windows and a two tiered Cupola or bell tower on top of it.  It has a grand (split) staircase visible from the entrance with stained wooden steps and railings (another first) and painted to match the rest of the interior. From the moment I walked in, I was stepping back in time, especially when I entered the House and Senate Chambers.  […]

The Maryland State House was at the end of a long street, positioned on a slight hill overlooking a shopping and residential area with shops and narrow

It was late Sunday afternoon and streets were relatively when I arrived in Richmond and later than I expected, partially because of my stop on the way

It was late Sunday night when I arrived in Raleigh and I stayed at a hotel just north of the city.

One of the first things that struck me with the State House building, as it’s called in South Carolina, was its sheer size from the street; it is very

This Capitol visit could not have been more enjoyable. I can’t wait to see the new chambers after October 1st!

Another great Capitol visit. Serendipity is alive and well. Even found God and the Liberty Bell.

The connections in Alabama were tremendous, as was the Capitol and the Freedom Flame. Thank you Julie and Aroine for making it possible!

Met some kindred spirits and new friends in Jackson, Mississippi.

Visit to the Louisiana Capitol was exceptional, capped by an NBC interview.

Everything is BIG in Texas, including their Capitol…the most visited in USA (by far)!

This Capitol was first for many things…the first one with walls adorned with pictures of native sons (not politicians), the first with a dome that was added later (thru private donations) and the first one with an oil well out front. Love this place!

Great pictures of the Arkansas capitol, staircase seal, Gov’s wall, assistant and chief of staff, LG’s staff, House Senate, Treasurer’s office, In God We Trust,  Clinton and bronze Tiffany doors (rarely opened).

Tennessee’s capitol was closed for renovation, but I took some other great pictures and still recited the Gettysburg Address.

My first state with a picture with the Lieutenant Governor (Jerry Abramson), a  hallway dedicated to the First Ladies, a sculpture of Col. Sanders… and a picture of my Capitol Angel (Stephanie) who made these pictures possible.

Beautiful Capitol that faces the Kanawha River…with an Abraham Lincoln statue right out front. WV is the only state added to the union by proclamation (by Lincoln himself).

I took the most pictures of this Capitol, probably because of its uniqueness and I had the best tour so far…even of the cupola (that wraps the dome) in which I got to sign my name (oldest signature dated in 1870). What a rare experience! …Saw the Governor and LG offices and where Lincoln was when he learned he won the election. Even stood at the same podium Lincoln spoke from (see House pic).  Timing […]

Beautiful building by the same architect (Elijah Myers) who designed the Texas Capitol…and Colorado. Couldn’t find Lincoln, but Gov Blair (whose statue is in front and portrait hangs in Senate Chamber) was a good friend of Lincoln and is credited with starting the Republican Party in Jackson, MI. (Governor George Romney also prominently displayed.) Found three spiritual references, as well as In God We Trust.

Lincoln was prominent in Indy, and so was George Washington and Christopher Columbus.

A stately Capitol atop a hill overlooking a river with Thomas Jefferson right out front. It not only had a unique sign at the entrance, it contained a legislative lounge painted with Missouri’s social history around it and over two hundred … quotes around the perimeter of the floors; plus Biblical quotes, the Ten Commandments (outside) and an incredibly impressive hall (or floor) dedicated to famous Missourians, like Harry Truman, Walt Disney, Dred Scott, Mark […]

The Kansas State Capitol, also known as the Kansas Statehouse and heavily adorned with copper, is open while under construction for tours and operation. Here are some great pics of Governor Brownback’s office (and assistant Zoie Kern), a fabulous (and first copper) staircase, House and Senate Chambers, Supreme Court, dome and favorite son President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Outside, Lincoln and Lady Liberty had prominent placement…as did the 50 Capitols Lincoln.

The Iowa State Capitol had the WOW Factor going on…from the outside, the dome, State Flag, the view, Law Library (staircase)’ the U.S.S. Iowa (Battleship) and Honoring Patriots. Lincoln, once again, was very prominent. The Iowa State Capitol had the WOW Factor going on…from the outside, the dome, State Flag, the view, Law Library (staircase)’ the U.S.S. Iowa (Battleship) and Honoring Patriots. Lincoln, once again, was very prominent.

The capitol building isn’t the only thing that makes Nebraska so unique, it’s also the only state in the country whose legislature is unicameral, that is, a single-chamber legislative body. And it’s  non-partisan. The inside was unlike any …other and so was the extra 14th floor rotunda (with Lincoln’s unifying words outlining the perimeter) and the observation deck. Check out these pics! No one is more prominent in Lincoln, than Lincoln; check out the Gettysburg […]

Wyoming was first governing body to give women the right to vote, own property and have female governor. Amish cherry throughout, complete with imperfections built in, as they do, to honor God.  Lynnette, Cheri, Michelle, Melissa and the Gov, we’re all my Capitol Angels who made my visit exceptional!  (Plus Jeff outside who was born in Cheyenne, raised in Wisconsiin and was visiting from Chicago.)

The Mile-high Capitol may be under construction, but it doesn’t affect operations, tours or the splendor its grand staircase, first-class rotunda and beautiful brass. The only thing more enjoyable were the people I met…who all inspired me…. Big thanks to Molly, the Governor’s executive assistant, to Marisela who watches over Lincoln…and to serendipity. (The Liberty Bell and Ten Commandments are across the street in Lincoln Park…which is only fitting.)

New Mexico is proud to have the oldest capitol building in the country (built 1609-10), the only round capitol building, and the one with the highest elevation at 7000 feet!  (That explains the snow en route.)

Arizona’s state seal speaks volumes: Ditat Deus is Latin for “God Enriches” and the drawing reflects the Five C’s of its early economy: Climate, Citrus, Cattle, Copper and Cotton. Liberty also has a major presence. Special thanks to Joe Kubacki (Sergeant at Arms in the Senate) for turning the lights on.)

Salt Lake City ranked as the nations’s most productive city in 2011 and Utah topped the Forbes list as the best U.S. state for business and careers (see attached). Its Capitol was equally impressive, adorned with statues of successful citiz…ens and lots of marble, including four lions outside named Patience, Fortitude, Honor and Integrity. Special thanks to Ben Burden at the Visitor Center and Dick Coan who joined the trip today.)

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 […]

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.”

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Montana State Capitol is #45 in the count-up (#6 in the countdown). Liberty shines most brightly in this Capitol nestled against the Rocky Mountain foothills. The dome is capped with a seventeen foot high personification of liberty called “Montana”. This bronze statue (sculpted by a Pennsylvanian) even wears a liberty cap-to symbolize freedom…and you’ll find two Liberty Bells, one inside and the numbered one from the U.S. Treasury across the street.

The North Dakota State Capitol has a Lincoln Room, Memorial Hall and a great slogan on their state seal: Liberty  and Union Now and Forever One and Inseparable. Unfortunately, this is the only state Capitol that I did not get inside of because they are only open on weekends during the summer. That turned out to be a blessing because while at the ND Heritage Center I was able to get to know Merlan Paaverud […]

Though I am still able to accomplish the main goal of photographing specific things in the Capitol, what I miss by visiting on weekends are many of the people, stories, and treasures. Luckily, I was still able to find a few in the rotunda of the South Dakota State Capitol like the four unique bronze statues representing Vision, Integrity, Wisdom and Courage. There was also their State Seal which reads “Under God the People Rule”, […]

The Minnesota State Capitol was designed by one of America’s most prominent architects, Cass Gilbert, who also designed the  U. S. Supreme Court, the capitols of West Virginia, Arkansas, the Woolworth Building in Manhattan and helped popularize skyscrapers.  It is capped by a set of four gold horses representing the power of nature (Earth, Wind, Fire, Water), and lined on the inside with inspirational/spiritual quotes and symbols (This my kind of Capitol!) for the rule […]

Yesterday was amazing, or at least my visit to the Wisconsin State Capitol was! The entire Capitol Staff was welcoming and the Capitol Angels abundant, even showing up on the steps for the reading of the Gettysburg Address and ending with the architects on the walk out. This Capitol has plenty of room for bragging rights with it being the only one located on an isthmus (though Alaska’s is on an island) and the only […]

The 50 Capitols trip started in Gettysburg Pennsylvania and finished in Springfield Illinois, which was the perfect place for the grand finale with Lincoln abound!  I was joined by my family and friends for the reading of the Gettysburg address in my 50th and final Capitol.  Special thanks to the NAIFA Illinois executive board for joining me, to whom I owea debt of gratitude.  The building is exceptional and its reputation extends all the way […]