Indiana State Capitol
- npoelaert0
- 3 days ago
- 1 min read
The history of the Indiana State Capitol is a journey through the state’s political and architectural evolution. When Indiana became a state in 1816, its first capitol was established in Corydon, a small town in southern Indiana. The original capitol building, constructed between 1814 and 1816, was a modest, two-story limestone structure that housed the legislature, Supreme Court, and governor’s office. This building, now preserved as a state historic site, symbolizes Indiana’s early years as a state and remains a testament to its territorial roots.
In 1825, the capital was relocated to Indianapolis, a more central and accessible location as the state’s population grew. The first statehouse in Indianapolis was a simple courthouse, but as the government expanded, so did the need for a more substantial building. The second statehouse, completed in 1835, was a Greek Revival structure, but it too became inadequate. The third statehouse, modeled after the Parthenon, was condemned in 1877 due to structural issues, paving the way for the current capitol.
The present Indiana State Capitol, completed in 1888, is an architectural masterpiece designed by Indianapolis architect Edwin May in the Italian Renaissance style. Built using native Indiana limestone and oak, the building features a stunning stained-glass rotunda, marble floors, and grand atriums. It houses all three branches of state government—the executive, legislative, and judicial—and stands as a symbol of Indiana’s commitment to democracy and civic pride. Over the years, the capitol has been carefully restored to preserve its historic grandeur, ensuring that it remains both a functional government center and a cherished landmark for future generations.
