Vermont Statehouse - Montpelier, VT
Posted by: 
silverquill
N 44° 15.742 W 072° 34.837
18T E 693116 N 4903860
Designed in 1857, the Vermont State House is an exquisite example of Greek Revival architecture.
Waymark Code: WM1DDG
Location: Vermont, United States
Date Posted: 04/11/2007
Views: 34
The current state house was preceded by several others at the site. The most significant was that designed by Montpelier resident, Ammi B. Young, and built from 1833-38. Young was the Supervising Architect of the U. S. Treasury Building, and one of 19th century America's leading architects. Young designed a two story building with cruciform plan, low saucer dome, and portico, using locally quarried Barre granite for much of the building's exterior.
In January of 1857, most of the building was destroyed by fire, including the timber interior and dome. Young's Doric portico survived as did some of the granite walls. These elements were incorporated into the current Vermont State House, which followed the plans of architect Thomas Silloway. Silloway's design called for the enlargement of the previous building by one bay at either end of the facade. His more elaborate high dome is sheathed with copper and covered with gold leaf. A statue of Ceres, the goddess of agriculture, stands atop the dome, symbolizing the importance of that industry to the state.
Today, the statehouse stands virtually as completed in 1859 and includes many of the original furnishings, such as the Senate Chamber's 30 black walnut desks and chairs first used by the 30 members of the 1859 Vermont Senate. The building underwent a major restoration in the 1990s and continues to function as it was originally intended.
Street address:
115 State St.
Montpelier, VT United States
05602
County / Borough / Parish: Washington County
Year listed: 1970
Historic (Areas of) Significance: Architecture/Engineering, Event
Periods of significance: 1825-1849, 1850-1874
Historic function: Government
Current function: Government
Privately owned?: no
Season start / Season finish: From: 01/01/2007 To: 12/31/2007
Hours of operation: From: 8:00 AM To: 4:00 PM
Primary Web Site: [Web Link]
Secondary Website 1: [Web Link]
Secondary Website 2: Not listed
National Historic Landmark Link: Not listed
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Visit Instructions:
Please give the date and brief account of your visit. Include any additional observations or information that you may have, particularly about the current condition of the site. Additional photos are highly encouraged, but not mandatory.