Have you ever been curious about our state’s capitol building? Not only is it a rather important part of our local government, but it also happens to be beautiful. And thanks to technology, you don’t even have to visit Olympia to see it (although we highly recommend that you do, when you’re able to do so). There’s a virtual Washington State Capitol tour online, and it’s pretty great.
The Washington State Capitol is also known as the Legislative Building, and it’s home to our local government.
Wikipedia It houses the offices of the governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, and treasurer.
When Olympia became the capital city in 1853 (when we were just the Washington territory), Olympia’a founder, Edmund Sylvester, donated 12 acres for the legislature.
Wikipedia The area overlooks what is now Capitol Lake, and it’s beautiful and well-maintained.
The Legislative Building is one of several buildings on our capitol campus.
Wikipedia The Washington Supreme Court, executive agencies, and the Washington Governor’s Mansion are also here. But the Legislative Building certainly sees the most action.
The Legislative Building has four floors and is topped by the tallest self-supporting masonry dome in the United States, and fifth tallest in the world.
Jim L / TripAdvisor The first floor has the foyer and offices, the second and third floors are surrounded by Doric columns, and the fourth floor is covered with a gabled roof.
You can take a guided tour of this building in person, but the virtual tour is the next best thing.
Jenn S / TripAdvisor You’ll see photos of the Senate Rules room in the lieutenant governor’s office, the Office of the Governor, the offices of the Secretary of State and the State Treasurer, and the Senate Chamber, just to name a few. Read the description of each photo to better understand what you’re seeing.
We’re lucky to have such a majestic capitol building here in Washington.
dannymac15_1999 / Flickr And it’s nice to know we can see it anytime without even leaving the couch.
Ready to take your virtual tour? Start here.
Wikipedia
It houses the offices of the governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, and treasurer.
The area overlooks what is now Capitol Lake, and it’s beautiful and well-maintained.
The Washington Supreme Court, executive agencies, and the Washington Governor’s Mansion are also here. But the Legislative Building certainly sees the most action.
Jim L / TripAdvisor
The first floor has the foyer and offices, the second and third floors are surrounded by Doric columns, and the fourth floor is covered with a gabled roof.
Jenn S / TripAdvisor
You’ll see photos of the Senate Rules room in the lieutenant governor’s office, the Office of the Governor, the offices of the Secretary of State and the State Treasurer, and the Senate Chamber, just to name a few. Read the description of each photo to better understand what you’re seeing.
dannymac15_1999 / Flickr
And it’s nice to know we can see it anytime without even leaving the couch.
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Address: Washington State Capitol Building, 416 Sid Snyder Ave SW, Olympia, WA 98504, USA
