The Vermont State House
in Montpelier, Vermont,
America's smallest
capital city.
Built between 1857 to 1859, this is Vermont's third State House. The first State House, built in the early 1800s was outgrown by Vermont's growing population. The second State House, built in 1833, burned on January 6, 1857.
The columns on the right and left sides of the State House show the high water mark from the November 3 - 4, 1927 flood.
Eric on the State House steps
This is the 45th state capitol
we have visited since
October, 2012.
A statue of Ethan Allen
stands next to the State
House doors.
Nathan Hale served as a soldier and spy for the Continental Army. He was captured behind British lines on Long Island on September 12, 1776. Before being hung as a spy on September 22, 1776 in New York City, Hale said, "I only regret that I have but one life to give for my country."
Eric & the portrait of
Chester Allen Arthur, the
21st President of the
A 1848 Union College graduate, Vice President Arthur became president following President James Garfield's death on September 19, 1881, after being shot by Charles J. Guiteau, a disgruntled office seeker, on July 2, 1881.
I am charmed by these
two graceful, arching
staircases on the
main floor.
main floor.
Eric & I spend time in front
of the portrait of Calvin
Coolidge, the thirtieth
President of the United States.
Our friend, Carol, is a direct descendant of this President Coolidge.
Madeleine Kunin (1985 - 1991)
is the first &, to date, the only
female governor in Vermont.
This portrait of Governor
Howard Dean (1991 - 2003)
is unique.
It is the only portrait of a
governor who is not
wearing a suit & tie.
Our tour guide, Ron, points
out this large fossil in one
of the State House's Black
Marble from Isle La Motte.
It is the most prominent fossil in the State House. Looking around, Eric and I find more fossils in the Marble floors.
We enter the Senate Chamber.
Vermonters are pleased to tell
visitors that the chamber has
been restored to its 1859
appearance.
Thirty Senators are elected for two year terms.
The drapes that cover the front
of the 19th century desks
reflects its original style.
Eric marvels at how carefully the carpet is matched across different levels of the chamber.
The restored House of Representatives
reflects the chamber's appearance
in 1859.
*Fun Fact: The chandelier weighs 4,000 pounds.
Look carefully at the chairs
in the front of the room....
They are actually an
opulent bench.
Ron told us that the "chairs" were built in this fashion to save money.
The House of Representatives Chamber hosts the Farmers Night Concert Series on Wednesday evenings. Started in 1923 to provide entertainment for representatives who lived in Montpelier during the legislative session, the tradition continues today.
The Governor's Ceremonial
Office
I just had to get a photo
of the reflected room in
the mirror behind the
Governor's Desk.
The Cedar Creek Room is
the former State Library.
The State Library outgrew this room and was moved to an adjacent building. It is open to the public.
The room is named for the
painting of the 1st Vermont
Brigade, October 19, 1864.
This room is perfect for receptions.
I look up the spiraling
staircase to the
third floor.
And I look down the
staircase to the
first floor.
Vermont's People's House showcases Vermont history while doing the people's work.
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