Connecticut State Capitol
- Jan 9
- 2 min read
Updated: Feb 6
The Connecticut State Capitol, located in Hartford, stands as a monumental symbol of the state’s rich history and architectural ambition. Completed in 1878, it is the third capitol building for Connecticut since the American Revolution and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1971. The building’s construction was a response to the state’s growing need for a permanent legislative home, as Hartford and New Haven had previously served as co-capitals from 1701 until 1875. The Capitol’s design was selected through a competitive process, with architect Richard M. Upjohn Jr.—son of the influential Gothic Revival architect Richard Upjohn Sr.—winning the commission. Upjohn’s vision blended Victorian Gothic and Eastlake styles, creating one of the largest and most distinctive state capitols in the United States. The exterior is clad in East Canaan marble and Westerly granite, both sourced from New England, while the interior features white marble and red slate floors, some of the colored marble imported from Italy. The building’s most striking feature is its golden dome, which was originally crowned by a 3-ton bronze statue called “The Genius of Connecticut,” symbolizing the state’s spirit. However, the statue was removed in 1938 after being damaged in a hurricane and later donated to the federal government as part of the war effort during World War II
The Capitol’s architecture and decoration are deeply intertwined with Connecticut’s history and cultural identity. The building is adorned with 16 high-relief tympana above its doors, depicting scenes from the state’s past, except for the carving above the main north door, which bears the state seal. The most famous of these sculptures is “The Charter Oak” by Charles Salewski, which commemorates the legendary hiding of the Connecticut Charter in an oak tree to protect it from British authorities in 1687. Inside, the Capitol’s interiors are a masterpiece of 19th-century craftsmanship, featuring intricate stenciling, stained glass, and light fixtures designed by William James McPherson, a decorator from Boston. The building’s layout is organized around two open interior courts that rise to large skylights, flooding the space with natural light. The Capitol also houses the Connecticut General Assembly, the offices of the Governor, and numerous historical artifacts, including the tombstone of Revolutionary War hero Israel Putnam. The site itself, the highest hill in central Hartford, was chosen for its prominence and separation from the commercial riverfront, further emphasizing the building’s symbolic importance.
.Beyond its architectural splendor, the Connecticut State Capitol reflects the broader historical and social currents of its time. Constructed in the aftermath of the Civil War, the building’s design and decorative program pay tribute not only to the war but also to the people and events that shaped Connecticut’s development. The Capitol’s blend of Gothic Revival and Aesthetic Movement elements—seen in its furniture, woodcarvings, and decorative motifs—showcases the era’s artistic trends and the state’s commitment to public art and civic pride. Over the years, the Capitol has undergone several restorations to preserve its grandeur, ensuring that it remains a living testament to Connecticut’s heritage and a vibrant center of government. Today, it continues to welcome visitors, offering tours that highlight its history, art, and ongoing role in the state’s legislative process.
