Indiana State Capitol

Indiana State Capitol. The Indiana State Capitol, located in downtown Indianapolis, serves as the seat of government for the U.S. state of Indiana. It houses the Indiana General Assembly, the Governor of Indiana, the Indiana Supreme Court, and other key state offices. Constructed between 1880 and 1888, the building is the fifth structure to serve as the state capitol and is noted for its Neoclassical and Italian Renaissance design, replacing earlier capitols in Corydon and a prior building in Indianapolis.

History

The need for a permanent statehouse emerged after Indiana's capital moved from Corydon to Indianapolis in 1825. The fourth capitol building, completed in 1835, was deemed structurally unsound by the 1870s, prompting the Indiana General Assembly to authorize a new structure. Following a design competition, architect Edwin May was selected, though after his death in 1880, supervision passed to Adolf Scherrer. Construction, managed by the firm of Matthias N. Orr, utilized limestone from Owen County and granite from Missouri, with the cornerstone laid in 1880. The building was occupied in 1888 and formally dedicated in 1889, coinciding with the centennial of the Northwest Territory's establishment. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975 and has since undergone several major restoration projects, including a significant renovation from 1988 to 1995 led by the Indiana Department of Administration.

Architecture

Designed primarily in the Neoclassical style with Italian Renaissance elements, the building's form is a symmetrical Greek cross. The exterior is clad in Indiana limestone and features a central dome rising 234 feet, topped by a torch-bearing figure symbolizing "Liberty". The dome's design was influenced by the United States Capitol and St. Peter's Basilica. Four smaller domes at the corners house mechanical functions. The principal facade on Washington Street includes a monumental portico with Corinthian columns. Notable architectural firms involved in later modifications include Bohlen Meyer Gibson & Associates.

Interior features

The interior centers on a grand rotunda with a mural titled "The Spirit of Indiana" by artist William H. Powell. The building contains over 450 rooms, with the Indiana Supreme Court courtroom featuring ornate woodcarvings and a stained-glass ceiling. The Indiana House of Representatives and Indiana Senate chambers are located on the third floor, decorated with marble, mahogany, and gold leaf. Other significant spaces include the Governor's office and the Lieutenant Governor's suite. The building also displays numerous portraits of former governors and justices, as well as historical artifacts related to the Constitution of Indiana.

Grounds and monuments

The capitol grounds, spanning two city blocks, are landscaped with walkways, gardens, and several important monuments. These include the George Washington sculptural group, a cenotaph dedicated to Governor Oliver P. Morton, and the Indiana Law Enforcement and Firefighters Memorial. The grounds also feature statues honoring Thomas A. Hendricks and Schuyler Colfax, both former Vice Presidents. The site is bounded by Washington Street, Ohio Street, Senate Avenue, and Capitol Avenue.

Government functions

As the active seat of Indiana's government, the building is the working venue for the bicameral Indiana General Assembly, comprising the Indiana House of Representatives and the Indiana Senate. It also houses the office of the Governor of Indiana, the Indiana Supreme Court, and the Indiana Court of Appeals. Various state agencies, including the Indiana Department of Administration which manages the building, have offices within. The capitol is a hub for political activity, including legislative sessions, inaugurations, ceremonial bill signings, and public tours overseen by the Indiana State House Tour Office.

Category:State capitols in the United States Category:Government buildings in Indianapolis Category:National Register of Historic Places in Indianapolis