State of Iowa

United States of America

A Visit to the Capital

July 10, 2012

Visitors approach this capital in Des Moines, Iowa and view the gold dome.  The main dome is located in the center.  Each corner has a smaller dome like the one shown here with a green dome and a gold clad peak.

Another exterior view showing two corner domes.  This magnificant structure has a corner stone with the date of 1873.

This informative plaque list some of the important information about this structure.  Another plaque states that the entire Capital was constructed with day labor and that the very top peak is 375 feet above the ground level.  It is difficult to believe that this building was constructed for the sum of $3,296,256.00.

If you have ever watched the Television Coverage from Des Moines during the every four year caucus cycle you will recall that you have seen this view.

This is a view of the interior of the dome taken from the first level.  I laid on my back to get this centered view.

This is a mural which is located on the top of the steps that you saw in a former picture.  It features a painting which displays the Westward Movement of peoples that settled the state of Iowa in the 1840s and 1850s.  Iowa became a state in 1846.

This is a view of the dome interior from the highest level that a visitor can climb.  Please note that the flag and eagle are mounted on wires near the top of the dome.  The clouds are actually 20 feet above the flag.

This is a view of the stairs to the dome.  To climb to the very top of the dome you need to make arrangements prior to your visit.  A group of visitors was escorted to this level.  I can appreciate that security concerns prevented us from going to the very top.

This is a view of the House of Representatives Chamber.  There are 99 counties in Iowa.  I was impressed with the decor and the size of this space.

This is the Iowa Senate Chamber.  Again, a magnificant space.  It is difficult for me to believe that the "Farm State" of Iowa constructed such a magnificant structure.

This is a view of just one of the light fixtures in the Senate Chamber.  We were told that they were originally gas lights.  There is a winch in the attic of this space which allows the fixture to be lowered to change the light bulbs.

One last view of the Iowa Capital!!!