Visit Historic Olympia Washington
Tour the Capital City of the Evergreen State
Visitors to Olympia, Washington’s capital city, will be amazed at the impressive buildings and landscape design of the Capitol Campus. The Capitol Campus contains the Washington State Legislature, Washington State Supreme Court and the Governor’s Mansion.
Washington State Capitol Building
The Washington State Legislative Building, completed in 1928, took over six years to construct. This massive structure is the closest resemblance to the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C. of all the state capitol buildings. “The Dome” reaches a height of 287 feet, the tallest in the United States. The building is the fourth tallest “masonry dome in the world.” The Dome is made of 173 million pounds of concrete, steel, stone and brick, enduring several severe Northwest earthquakes. The Washington State Legislative Building uses what could be considered “green” energy, as 144 solar panels lie atop the roof. The solar-created energy can be used to help light the massive dome. The doors of the Capitol Building are made of cast-bronze. These solid doors illustrate Washington’s heritage, with engraved pictorials. A Tiffany chandelier hangs above the rotunda in the entrance. The floor of the rotunda contains a gold Great Seal of the State of Washington, a portrait of America’s first president. Washington State is the only state to be named after a former president, joining the union in 1889.
Governor’s Mansion
To the west of the Capitol Building stands the Governor’s Mansion, or Executive Manson. Built in 1908, this elegant mansion is the oldest building on the campus in Olympia. Visitors can tour the Governor’s Mansion, awed by the marble floors, antique furniture and high ceilings. The mansion contains a portrait of President George Washington from 1795. The rooms of the mansion include a state library, ballroom, Great Hall, drawing room and state dining room. The ballroom was once used during the inauguration of the Governor.
Capitol Campus in Olympia
The landscape of the Capitol Campus grounds was designed by the Olmstead Brothers, famous for their design of Central Park in New York City. The 12-acre campus embraces an open design, characterized by views of Olympia and Puget Sound. The campus includes several Veterans’ Memorials, honoring all Veterans. Memorials include the Winged Victory of WWI, Medal of Honor, WWII Memorial, Korean War, Vietnam Veterans and a special Law Enforcement Memorial. The Capitol Lake, created to reflect the Capitol Building, was made in 1951 by damming the nearby Deschutes River. This artificial lake creates a beautiful mirror image of the Capitol Building, captured in a multitude of photographs throughout the years.
The impressive buildings and magnificent landscape of the Capitol Campus in Olympia is sure to awe any visitor. Visitors have the opportunity to learn about Washington’s rich history and lawmaking process. During Legislative sessions, visitors can learn about lawmaking during a tour of the campus.
Washington State Capitol
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