Vermont State House

The Vermont State House in Montpelier is one of the most architecturally distinguished state capitols in America, its distinctive golden dome visible from across the city and surrounding hillsides. Built between 1857 and 1859, the current building is the third capitol on this site, designed in the Greek Revival style by Thomas Silloway with a grand Doric portico supported by six Vermont granite columns, each quarried from Barre and weighing 29 tons. The dome is covered in genuine gold leaf, most recently restored in 1980, and is topped by a gilded statue of Ceres, the Roman goddess of agriculture — a fitting symbol for Vermont's farming heritage. The interior is equally impressive, with a richly decorated House Chamber featuring an ornate ceiling, and the Senate Chamber retaining much of its original 1859 furnishing and detailing. Tours led by volunteer guides explore both chambers, the Governor's ceremonial office, the Hall of Flags containing Vermont's Civil War battle flags, and the historic reception rooms. The building is open free of charge on weekdays throughout the year, and guided tours operate on the hour from July through mid-October. When the legislature is in session from January through May, visitors can observe floor proceedings from public galleries in both chambers. The adjacent State House lawn hosts public events throughout summer, and the Vermont State Craft Center gift shop is in the pavilion on the north side. Montpelier's compact downtown is entirely walkable, making the State House a natural anchor for a broader visit to the nation's smallest state capital. A typical visit runs 45 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on tour engagement.