When we went to Sacramento last week, we did not have time to go see the capitol building, so today we made the journey back to visit.
California became a state in 1850 with the discovery of gold and the influx of miners and settlers to the state. They became a state so fast, they didn't even have a chance to be a territory first.
The state did not have a permanent seat for the government until 1860. Towns vied for the spot, but Sacramento was the final decision. Groundbreaking for the capitol was December 4, 1860, but was not officially completed for 14 years. In 1869, it was completed enough for the Legislature and Governor to move into.
After going through the security check, we walked through these beautiful domed halls
and arrived in the Rotunda with a life-size Carrara marble statue entitled Columbus' Last Appeal to Queen Isabella. It has been there since 1883.
Looking up through the dome was pretty amazing!
As we continued through the building, we stopped to look out the front door at this view of Sacramento.
Continuing on, there are three rooms set up to represent the Governor's Office in 1906.
Then, the Secretary of State's office from 1902.
This is a stained glass representation of the Great Seal of California installed on the ceiling in 1907 showing off an exciting technological advance, using electricity instead of sunshine to light it.
Next, we went to the Senate gallery. We loved the chandeliers hanging from the ceiling.
Our last stop inside was the Assembly Chamber.
The grounds outside are also quite extensive.
We walked through the grounds looking at the statues and plants, there's even an orange tree there!
The California State Capitol Building is certainly worth a stop if you are ever in Sacramento.
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