State Capitol Building, Charleston, W. Va.
- Identifier:
- 005527
- Title:
- State Capitol Building, Charleston, W. Va.
- Creator:
- Wagner, F. W.
- Description:
- 'Facts about West Virginia's Capitol Building. Cass Gilbert, Architect, describes the Capitol Building as follows: 'The building is classic in style and what might be correctly termed as Renaissance, the Architectural Forms are Roman with the single exception of the Doric Vestibule at the ground floor on the river side of the building. The Porticos and Colonnades of the exterior are distinctly Roman, the main portion being of Roman Corinthian order, which was of course, indirectly derived from the Greek precedent and the other Porticos or Colonnades are of a modified Roman Doric type. The exterior of the Dome closely follows the Roman precedent, although i know of none as high in proportion among Roman examples. The Bell of the Dome, which is metal, was studied from certain Renaissance domes in Europe, of which there are a great number.' 'The Capitol Building is located on the north bank of the Great Kanawha River. Completed-February, 1932. Cost-$9,491,180.03. Occupies 16 acres of ground. Office Space-333 rooms. Legislative Chambers-Second floor, main unit. Supreme Court-Third floor, east unit. Floor Space-535,000 square feet. Cube of the Building- 10,300,000 cubic feet. Outside of Building-Indiana buff limestone, 314,000 cubic feet or over 700 carloads. Interior-Imperial Danby Vermont marble. Dome-300 feet high, covered with 22.5 carat gold leaf and beautifully illuminated at night. Chandelier in Dome-Weight 4,000 pounds, 15,000 candle power, 180 feet above floor, gold chain 54 feet long. Rug in Governer's Reception Room- Weight, 1,809 pounds, one piece, 26 X 60 feet. Chandeliers in House of Representatives and Senate Chambers-10,000 separate pieces of rock crystal. Columns in Foyers-Weight 34 tons each, solid marble. Columns in Porticos-86 tons each. Bronze Doors on Porticos- Weight 2,800 pounds each. Floors-Italian Travertine. Matthew M. Neely, Governor.'
- Acquisition Method:
- Acquired
- Medium:
- print
- Projects:
- West Virginia History OnView