The Alabama State Capitol in Montgomery

Another Capitol, another dome, and oh so different -- The State Capitol in Montgomery, Alabama is a Greek Revival styled building.  This seat of state government was built on Goat Hill: goat grazing land that was donated to the State of Alabama for a new Capitol.  The first Capitol building on this site burned down in 1849.  Construction on the current Capitol started in 1850 and completed in 1851.  It was built on the foundation of the building that burned.

There have been four additions to the Capitol and government still outgrew this building.  In the 1980s, the House of Representatives and Senate relocated to the Alabama State House, adjacent to the Capitol.








"Goat Hill," known as an
area for goat grazing, was
donated to the State as the
site of the Capitol.

The Capitol is surrounded by 

statues, flowers, shrubs & trees.

The Civil War Memorial

This is one of two sweeping

staircases at the main entrance.

Docent Aroine Irby has

fourth graders looking up

at the Rotunda.

Aroine took the 

group outside.

This star designates where

Jefferson Davis stood when he was

inaugurated President of the 

Confederate States of America.

Aroine told the group about the Voting Rights March that started in Selma on March 21, 1965.

He participated, walking the full 54 miles.  After 12 miles of walking per day, 

marchers slept in fields.  They were clubbed, beaten,  and they marched on.

Eric is standing on the spot

Martin Luther King stood 

when he and 25,000 marchers

arrived at the State Capitol

in Montgomery on March 25, 1965.

The Legislative Chambers have been restored to their 1860s splendor.

The restored House of

Representatives (no desks)

The Confederate States of America was organized in the House of Representatives 

Chamber on February 4, 1861. Jefferson Davis was elected President 

of the CSA here on February 9, 1861

The restored

Senate Chamber

The Senate Ceiling

The ribs are real.  The

fluted pattern is painted.

The State Legislature doesn't meet in the State Capitol.  They have been meeting in the

Alabama State House, adjacent to the Capitol since the 1980s.

Eric and I were excited and engaged by this State Capitol.  We appreciated its placement on

a hill.  The grounds are spacious and there are many statues to visit.  There is a Moon Tree -

Loblolly Pine on the property.  Its seeds were flown on Apollo 14 to the moon and back.   

The restoration is wonderful.  Our Docent, Aroine provided an engaging tour. 

It's always fun to tour a Capitol with school children.  They are full of 

questions and have interesting insights to share.