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The Virginia State Capitol is the seat of state government of the Commonwealth of Virginia, located in Richmond, the state capital. It houses the oldest elected legislative body in North America, the Virginia General Assembly, first established as the House of Burgesses in 1619.
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statue alludes to the similarities between Washington and the ancient Roman General Cincinnatus who, when Rome no longer needed him, gave up his military power and returned to the simple life of a farmer. The artist carefully balanced the military and civilian elements of Washington’s career: his sword is by his side and he rests his left hand on ...
once wrote that “architecture is my delight.” After the Revolution, Virginians instinctively turned to Jefferson and asked him to design a new state Capitol, combining “economy with elegance and utility.” Jefferson was responsible Painting by George Catlin for recommending the Shockoe hilltop location, choosing the Classical temple form, and arr...
House of Delegates (left), is composed of 100 Delegates who are elected every two years. The Speaker of the House is the presiding oficer of the House of Delegates. The Speaker and the Clerk of the House are elected by the membership, each for a two-year term. Desks for the Delegates fill the room, surrounding the Speaker’s and Clerk’s podiums. On...
A large equestrian statue of George Washington atop a granite pedestal is located just northwest of the Capitol at the formal entrance to the square. This monument was conceived to honor Washington and to glorify Virginia’s contributions to our nation’s independence. Virginia’s role in the Revolution is represented by bronze statues of six native s...
the grounds north of the Capitol are bronze statues of former Virginia Governor and U.S. Senator Harry F. Byrd, Sr.; William “Extra Billy” Smith, Governor of Virginia and Confederate Brigadier General; Confederate Major General Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson; and Dr. Hunter Holmes McGuire, a respected Southern surgeon. In the southwest corner of t...
Learn about the history and features of the Virginia State Capitol, designed by Thomas Jefferson and the symbol of democracy. See the Rotunda, the Houdon statue of George Washington, the House of Delegates, and more.
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Learn how to plan your visit to the Virginia State Capitol, the historic seat of government in Richmond. Find out about tours, events, parking, rules, and more.
Learn about our historical Capitol and visiting the Virginia General Assembly Building.
Designed by Thomas Jefferson, the State Capitol houses America’s oldest legislative assembly. Daily one-hour guided tours showcase historical statuary and paintings, rare exhibit objects, and newly restored legislative chambers. Self-guided tours also are available.
Learn about the history and architecture of the Virginia State Capitol, the oldest continuously operating legislative building in America. Find out how to visit, tour and enjoy the Capitol Square, a public park and a National Historic Landmark.
Learn about the history and architecture of the neoclassical building designed by Thomas Jefferson and used by the Confederate and Union forces during the Civil War. See a photo of the Capitol after the Confederate retreat in 1865.