The Virginia State Capitol- Richmond, VA

Although not quite the oldest state capitol building in the United States (Maryland’s holds that distinction), Virginia’s State Capitol building may just be the most historic. Designed by Thomas Jefferson himself, it was the first statehouse of the New Republic, and introduced Classic Revival architecture to the fledgling nation.

In 1785, just two months into Jefferson’s appointment as Ambassador to France, he agreed to design the new capitol building to be constructed in Richmond, Virginia. Inspired by the Maison Carree in Nimes, France, the self taught architect proposed a classical design, a Roman temple that would sit atop Shockoe Hill, and look out over the city. Interestingly enough, it is one of only 12 capitol buildings in the United States without an external dome.

Although it isn’t the oldest capitol building, Virginia does have the oldest elected representative legislature in the United States, which is pretty impressive. They have been meeting since 1619, first in Jamestown, then later in Williamsburg, gathering in churches, homes, colleges, and taverns. When the capital was moved to Richmond, in 1780, it was decided a permanent building was needed to house the General Assembly, and it needed to be grand. Clearly someone who visited Monticello recommended Jefferson for the job.

In 1875, the cornerstone of the grand building was laid, with Governor Patrick Henry in attendance. They were a bit ahead of themselves, however; Jefferson’s plans did not arrive from France until the following year. Nevertheless, using a detailed plaster model for guidance, Jefferson’s Classic Revival design was executed by Samuel Dobie, constructed of brick and covered with stucco. The building was substantially complete by 1788, the first year the Assembly was able to meet in their new home.

And while the building may not have an external dome, it does have a stunning interior dome, complete with skylight, that illuminates the centerpiece of the capitol. In 1785, sculpture Jean-Antoine Houdon visited General George Washington at Mount Vernon, and took measurements for a life size marble statue that would to be placed in the two story Rotunda. Coating Washington’s face in oil, he created a plaster cast that is considered to be a perfect likeness.

Sculpted from Italian Carrara marble in France, the statute was shipped to the United States, and added to the Rotunda on May 14, 1796. Although the statue is true to Washington’s height of 6’2, which is itself impressive given the times, it seems much larger, like the man himself. It is a magnificent statue, and a beautifully designed room.

Over the next century, many changes came to Richmond, most dramatically following the Civil War. In 1865, following the fall of the South, large portions of the city were burned. Thankfully, the capitol and the 1813 Executive Mansion managed to escape destruction. Its survival is somewhat surprising, considering it served as the Capitol of the Confederacy, and many fires started by Union soldiers burned out of control.

Although spared immediately following the war, the capitol building did not emerge entirely unscathed. During the Reconstruction period, Virginia was under military rule; lasting almost five years, this ended in January of 1870. In the following months, disputes surfaced regarding Richmond’s leadership, culminating in a Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals hearing on April 27, 1870. Hundreds of people packed the courtroom, causing the gallery to collapse onto the courtroom floor; in turn, the entire floor collapsed, with the assembled crowd dropping over 40 feet into the House of Delegates chamber. The devastating event left 62 people dead, and 251 injured.

Following the collapse, many called for the building to be demolished. Thankfully, instead, the damage was repaired, and the building spared once again. In 1904, space concerns lead to the addition of the House and Senate wings, as well as the front steps, significantly altering Jefferson’s original plan. Completed in 1906, the expansion was designed by John Kevan Peebles, and cost over $250,000. In 1964, hyphens joining the wings added additional work space for legislators.

Over the past two centuries, a parade of notable statesmen have passed through the capitol’s impressive doors, including Presidents Washington, Lincoln, Madison, Monroe, Roosevelt, Eisenhower (joined by Churchill) and Clinton. Andrew Jackson and Meriwether Lewis attended Aaron Burr’s 1807 treason trial held there, with Chief Justice John Marshall presiding. Even my favorite landscape architect Frederick Law Olmstead visited, who I would imagine was impressed by the adjacent 12 acre Capitol Square.

For those who love history and architecture, few places are more impressive. Visit while the General Assembly is in session, and you can even sit in the gallery and watch proceedings unfold- safe from collapse. Tours are even offered of Alexander Parriss’ 1812 Federal Style Executive Mansion, the oldest Governor’s residence still in use. Complete your day with a stay at the Jefferson Hotel, which is just fabulous all around.

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