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The West Virginia State Capitol is the seat of government for the state of West Virginia, located in Charleston, West Virginia.

Visual Characteristics

The capitol building is constructed primarily of Indiana limestone and granite. It features a central dome, gilded with 23.5-karat gold leaf, which rises 292 feet above the ground. The architectural style is Beaux-Arts, characterized by classical proportions, symmetry, and ornate detailing. The building has a cruciform plan and is surrounded by landscaped grounds.

Location & Access Logistics

The West Virginia State Capitol is situated at 1900 Kanawha Boulevard East, Charleston, WV 25305. It is approximately 1.5 miles east of the Charleston city center. Ample parking is available in designated visitor lots on the capitol grounds. Public transportation is accessible via the Kanawha Valley Regional Transportation (Kanawha Valley Metro) bus system, with several routes stopping near the capitol complex.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Construction of the current West Virginia State Capitol began in 1921 and was completed in 1932. The architect was Cass Gilbert. The building was designed to replace the previous capitol building, which was destroyed by fire. Its original purpose was to house the legislative and executive branches of the state government.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can tour the capitol building, including the House of Delegates chamber, the Senate chamber, and the Governor's Reception Room. The West Virginia State Museum, located in the Culture Center adjacent to the capitol, offers exhibits on the state's history, art, and culture. Guided tours of the capitol building are available on weekdays.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available within the capitol building and the Culture Center. Shaded areas are present on the capitol grounds. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available. Food vendors and cafes are located within the Culture Center and in the immediate vicinity of the capitol complex.

Best Time to Visit

The best time of day for photography of the exterior is late afternoon when the sun illuminates the gold dome. The most favorable months for visiting are April through October, offering pleasant weather for exploring the grounds. No specific tide requirements apply.

Facts & Legends

The gold leaf on the capitol dome is applied in a way that requires reapplication every 15 years. A unique historical detail is that the original capitol building, built in 1870, was located in Wheeling, West Virginia, before the capital was moved to Charleston.

Nearby Landmarks

• West Virginia State Museum (0.1km West)
• Culture Center (0.1km West)
• Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences (0.8km West)
• Sunrise Carriage House Museum (1.2km West)
• Elk River Trail Access (1.5km Northwest)