The Idaho State Capitol in Boise, Idaho, stands as a magnificent testament to the rich history and architectural grandeur that defines the state. This stately building, crowned with a majestic dome, serves as the seat of government for the state of Idaho and is a must-visit for anyone interested in history, architecture, or politics.
The story of the Idaho State Capitol begins in the mid-19th century. Although Lewiston served briefly as the capital when the Idaho Territory was formed in 1863, the territorial legislature moved the capital to Boise on December 24, 1864. Construction of the first part of the current Capitol building began in the summer of 1905, fifteen years after Idaho achieved statehood. The architects behind this grand project were John E. Tourtellotte and Charles Hummel. Tourtellotte, a native of Connecticut, and Hummel, a German immigrant, combined their talents to create a building that would stand the test of time.
The construction of the Capitol was a monumental task, completed in 1920 at a cost of just over $2 million. The architects drew inspiration from classical examples, including the Basilica of St. Peter in Rome, St. Paul's Cathedral in London, and the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C. The exterior of the building is made from sandstone quarried from the nearby Table Rock, giving it a distinctive and enduring appearance.
The Idaho State Capitol is not just a building; it is a work of art. The architects used a variety of materials, including four types of marble: red marble from Georgia, gray marble from Alaska, green marble from Vermont, and black marble from Italy. The most striking feature of the Capitol is its dome, topped with a bronze eagle standing 1.7 meters tall. The building itself stands 63.4 meters high, covers an area of 18,740 square meters, and contains more than 4,645 square meters of artistically carved marble.
One of the unique aspects of the Capitol is its use of scagliola, a technique that involves mixing granite, marble dust, plaster, and glue to create a material that resembles marble. This artificial marble was created by a family of Italian artisans and is used extensively throughout the building. The Capitol boasts 219 pillars, each made of this scagliola, and they come in Doric, Corinthian, or Ionic styles.
Visitors to the Idaho State Capitol can embark on a journey through history and architecture. On the first floor, when you look up towards the dome, you can see 13 large stars and 43 smaller stars. The 13 large stars represent the original thirteen colonies, while the 43 smaller stars signify that Idaho was the 43rd state to join the Union. The floor also features a wind rose, with a sundial at its center made from minerals found in Idaho. This floor is also home to a statue called Patriot by Kenneth Lonn, dedicated to those who worked in the mining industry.
The second floor is accessible through three entrances: east, south, and west. The office of the lieutenant governor is located in the west wing, directly opposite the governor's office. In the north side of the rotunda on the second floor, you can find a sculpture of George Washington on horseback. The east wing houses the office of the Secretary of State, where the official copy of the Great Seal of the State of Idaho is displayed.
On the third floor, you'll find the Senate in the west wing and the House of Representatives in the east wing. Both chambers were remodeled in 1968. This floor also includes the old Supreme Court room, now used for committee hearings and meetings. The fourth floor offers balcony entrances to the Senate and House galleries, allowing the public to observe the legislature in session. The northeast, northwest, and southwest corners of this floor contain many historical paintings and three murals by Dana Boussard.
In 1998, Idaho officials drafted a master plan to restore the Capitol. The building, though impressive, had begun to show signs of aging. The restoration work included refinishing windows, repairing marble floors and decorative plaster, restoring wood floors and doors, updating electrical and fire detection systems, improving exterior lighting, adding an emergency power generator, and installing an accessible elevator for disabled individuals.
The project, initially funded with $120,000, grew in scope and cost. By 2000, the estimated cost was $64 million. The legislature provided a one-time allocation of $32 million in 2001, with bonds issued to cover the remaining costs. Additional funding came from a state cigarette tax increase, which helped cover the $20 million needed for interior restoration. In 2006, the legislature voted to fund two underground legislative office wings at a cost of approximately $130 million. However, due to the 2008 economic recession, the plan was modified to include only single-story wings, and construction continued until 2010.
The Capitol is home to several notable artworks and exhibits. The Winged Victory is a plaster replica of the original marble statue of the Winged Victory of Samothrace, a gift from France to the United States after World War II. The statue arrived in Boise in 1949 and has been a cherished part of the Capitol ever since. Another significant piece is the bronze and black stone statue of Louise Shadduck, honoring her dedication as an author, historian, public official, and political activist in Idaho.
The Capitol also features a collection of 20 portraits of Idaho's state and territorial governors, completed by artist Herbert A. Collins in 1911. These portraits provide a visual history of the state's leadership over the years.
Visiting the Idaho State Capitol is an enriching experience that offers a glimpse into the state's history, architecture, and governance. Whether you're a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply curious about Idaho's past, the Capitol is a must-see destination in Boise. From its grand dome and intricate marble work to its historical exhibits and modern amenities, the Idaho State Capitol stands as a proud symbol of the state's heritage and future.
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