Rhode Island State House

Rhode Island State House. The Rhode Island State House is the capitol building of the U.S. state of Rhode Island, housing the offices of the Governor of Rhode Island, the Rhode Island General Assembly, and other key state officials. Located at 82 Smith Street in the capital city of Providence, it is a prominent example of Neoclassical architecture in the United States. The building is renowned for its massive self-supporting marble dome, one of the largest of its kind in the world, and its extensive collection of historical artifacts and art.

History

The decision to construct a new state house was made in the late 19th century, as the previous capitol, the Old State House, had become inadequate for the growing state government. The renowned architectural firm McKim, Mead & White was commissioned to design the building, with groundbreaking occurring in 1895. Construction was overseen by the firm's principals, including Charles Follen McKim, and utilized Georgia marble for its exterior. The building was completed and officially occupied in 1904, during the administration of Governor Lucius F. C. Garvin. A major restoration project was undertaken in the late 20th century, led by the Rhode Island Department of Administration, to preserve the building's structural integrity and historical details.

Architecture

Designed in the Neoclassical style, the architecture draws heavily from ancient Greek and Roman traditions, similar to other major American capitols like the United States Capitol and the Massachusetts State House. Its most distinctive feature is the large, self-supporting marble dome, which is the fourth-largest structural marble dome in the world, after St. Peter's Basilica, the Minnesota State Capitol, and the Taj Mahal. The exterior is constructed of white Georgia marble and features a prominent portico with Ionic columns. The design principles of McKim, Mead & White emphasized symmetry, grandeur, and the use of classical motifs, making it a landmark of the American Renaissance.

Interior features

The interior is notable for its grand public spaces and historical collections. The State Room serves as the governor's formal reception room and contains a full-length portrait of George Washington by Gilbert Stuart. The Rhode Island State Library houses a significant collection of historical documents, including the original Royal Charter of 1663 granted by King Charles II. The rotunda beneath the dome features a magnificent Vermont marble floor and displays battle flags from the American Civil War and other conflicts. Other notable artworks include the painting *Washington at Verplanck's Point* by John Trumbull and the *Portrait of George Washington*.

Grounds and monuments

The grounds encompass several acres and feature a number of significant monuments and memorials. A prominent equestrian statue of American Revolutionary War general Nathanael Greene, a native of Rhode Island, stands on the southwest lawn. Other monuments commemorate the Rhode Island Militia, the 13th Regiment Rhode Island Volunteers, and the Spanish–American War. The *Independent Man* statue, a gilded bronze figure representing freedom and independence, crowns the top of the dome. The landscaping was designed in the tradition of the City Beautiful movement, integrating the building with the surrounding neighborhood of Smith Hill.

Government functions

As the seat of Rhode Island's government, it is the working center for the state's executive and legislative branches. It contains the chambers of the Rhode Island Senate and the Rhode Island House of Representatives, where the Rhode Island General Assembly convenes. The office of the Governor of Rhode Island and the Lieutenant Governor of Rhode Island are located within the building, along with the offices of the Secretary of State of Rhode Island and the Rhode Island General Treasurer. The Rhode Island Supreme Court also held sessions here until it moved to the adjacent Licht Judicial Complex. Important state ceremonies, such as the inaugurations of governors and the signing of legislation, are traditionally held here.

Category:State capitols in the United States Category:Government buildings in Rhode Island Category:Buildings and structures in Providence, Rhode Island Category:National Register of Historic Places in Rhode Island