- Every US state has a capitol that houses its state legislature.
- Many state capitols are domed buildings similar to the US capitol, but others are more unique.
- Maryland’s State House is the oldest capitol in continuous legislative use in the US.
A state’s capitol is an important structure: It signifies the state government’s power and the state’s history to its people and any who visit.
Many states’ capitols have unique references to history or location, like Kansas’ statue of a Kansa warrior atop its dome, or the New Hampshire State House which was built with locally sourced granite.
Through history, the structures have also proven costly. When New York’s state capitol in Albany was finally finished after 32 years in 1899, it was at a cost of $25 million, making it one of the most expensive government projects in the US. In 2013, The New York Times reported the figure was equivalent to more than half a billion dollars today.
Every capitol building has a unique look and distinct origin, and you can learn more about them here.
