Wyoming State Capitol

Wyoming State Capitol
Name	Wyoming State Capitol
Caption	The Wyoming State Capitol in Cheyenne
Location	Cheyenne, Wyoming
Coordinates	41, 8, 25, N...
Start date	1886
Completion date	1890
Renovation date	2014–2019
Architect	David W. Gibbs (original); Miner and Miner (Herschler Building)
Architectural style	Renaissance Revival
Owner	State of Wyoming
Governing body	Wyoming State Legislature
Height	146 ft
Website	https://www.wyomingcapitolsquare.com/

Wyoming State Capitol. The Wyoming State Capitol, located in Cheyenne, serves as the seat of government for the U.S. state of Wyoming. Completed in 1890, the building houses the chambers of the Wyoming State Legislature and the offices of the Governor of Wyoming. As a landmark of Renaissance Revival architecture, it stands as a symbol of the state's early political history and its commitment to democratic governance.

History

The decision to construct a permanent capitol building followed Wyoming Territory's establishment and the designation of Cheyenne as its capital. Construction began in 1886 under the supervision of architect David W. Gibbs, with the cornerstone laid in 1887. The building was substantially completed in 1890, the same year Wyoming was admitted to the Union as the 44th state, famously being the first to grant women the right to vote. Early sessions of the Wyoming State Legislature were held in the building amidst the ongoing work of finishing interior details. The capitol has witnessed significant events in state history, including the tenure of early governors like Francis E. Warren and legislative debates that shaped the state's development.

Architecture and design

The capitol's design is a prominent example of Renaissance Revival architecture, drawing inspiration from the United States Capitol and other classical government buildings. Architect David W. Gibbs utilized a symmetrical plan with a central dome, a common feature in American state capitols. The exterior is constructed of sandstone sourced from nearby Colorado and Wyoming quarries, featuring rusticated first floors and smooth-faced upper levels. The most distinctive feature is the gold-leafed dome, topped by a lantern and a statue titled "Lady Liberty," added in 1900. The building's east and west wings, providing additional legislative office space, were added in 1915 and 1917, respectively.

Interior features

The interior spaces are notable for their extensive use of Alaska marble, Vermont marble, and rich oak woodwork. The rotunda, rising 146 feet to the interior of the dome, features a mural depicting the state's history. The Wyoming House of Representatives chamber is located on the west side of the second floor, while the Wyoming Senate chamber occupies the east side. Other significant rooms include the Supreme Court of Wyoming's former courtroom, now used for committee hearings, and the Governor's public reception room. Stained glass skylights and decorative plasterwork adorn many of the public corridors and offices.

Renovation and restoration

A major comprehensive renovation, known as the "Capitol Square Project," was undertaken from 2014 to 2019 to address structural issues, modernize systems, and restore historical elements. The project, managed by the state's Department of Administration and Information, included seismic upgrades, replacement of mechanical and electrical systems, and careful restoration of original woodwork and decorative painting. During this period, state government functions temporarily relocated to the nearby Hynds Building and the Jonah Business Center. The renovated capitol and the connected Herschler Building were reopened to the public in July 2019.

Grounds and monuments

The capitol grounds, known as Capitol Square, feature several monuments and statues commemorating Wyoming's history and people. These include the iconic "Spirit of Wyoming" statue, an equestrian monument to Chief Washakie of the Eastern Shoshone, and a memorial to the Wyoming National Guard. A statue of Esther Hobart Morris, celebrated for her role in women's suffrage, stands prominently on the grounds. The square also features the Wyoming Veterans Memorial and is part of the larger Cheyenne civic center complex, which includes the Wyoming State Museum and the Historic Governors' Mansion.

Government functions

The building serves as the active working seat of Wyoming's state government. It contains the legislative chambers for the Wyoming State Legislature, a part-time citizen legislature comprising the Wyoming House of Representatives and the Wyoming Senate. The office of the Governor of Wyoming and the Secretary of State are also housed within the capitol. While the Supreme Court of Wyoming and other executive agencies like the Wyoming Department of Education are located in other buildings, the capitol remains the central venue for bill signings, inaugural addresses, and major public ceremonies.

Category:State capitols in the United States Category:Government buildings in Wyoming Category:Buildings and structures in Cheyenne, Wyoming Category:Renaissance Revival architecture in Wyoming Category:National Register of Historic Places in Wyoming