Golden domes, historic statues, and nods to state flags: What the capitol looks like in every state

A state’s capitol can tell you a lot about its history.

State capitols house each state’s legislative branch of government, executive offices, and other administrative and ceremonial spaces.

While their function may be the same across all 50 states, their architectural designs vary.

Many state capitols feature references to their locations, like the Kansas State Capitol, which is topped by Ad Astra, a statue representing a Kansa (Kaw) warrior, while the New Hampshire State House, built largely from locally quarried granite, nods to the state’s “Granite State” identity.

Some buildings date back to the founding of the United States.

Maryland’s State House in Annapolis, completed in 1779, is the oldest one in continuous use as a legislative center.

That makes it just three years younger than the country as a whole.

Every capitol has a unique look and distinct origin.

Here’s what the capitol looks like in every state and Washington, DC.