Iowa State Capitol
- npoelaert0
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
The history of the Iowa State Capitol is a story of ambition, political debate, and architectural grandeur, reflecting the state’s growth and identity. Iowa’s journey as a capital city began in Iowa City, where the Old Capitol Building was constructed in the 1840s and served as the seat of government until 1857. As the state’s population expanded westward, there was a push to relocate the capital to a more central location. After years of heated debate, Des Moines was chosen as the new capital in 1857, and the first capitol building there—a modest brick structure—served as a temporary home for the legislature for 26 years. However, as Iowa’s ambitions grew, so did the need for a permanent and more impressive statehouse.
Construction of the current Iowa State Capitol began in 1871 on a hill overlooking downtown Des Moines, symbolizing the state’s faith in its future and its resilience following the Civil War. The project faced early challenges, including cracked foundation stones due to harsh winters, which led to the replacement of the original commissioners. Despite these setbacks, the Capitol was completed in 1884 and dedicated in 1886, becoming the tallest building in Des Moines and a source of immense pride for Iowans. The building’s design, inspired by classical Roman and Greek architecture, features a striking central dome and four smaller domes at each corner, all covered in 23-karat gold leaf—a rarity among state capitols. The interior is equally impressive, with highly decorated walls, imported marble, and Iowa wood, as well as a grand rotunda that houses battle flags from Iowa’s military history and a large banner of the Grand Army of the Republicen.
Over the years, the Iowa State Capitol has undergone several restorations to preserve its beauty and functionality, including a major renovation in the 1980s that restored the gold dome and decorative stonework. Today, it remains a vibrant center of government, housing the offices of the governor, legislature, and Supreme Court, and stands as a testament to Iowa’s enduring commitment to democracy, heritage, and architectural excellence.
