Olympia State Capitol

Back in Washington, I had a few hours to kill and stopped at the State Capitol in Olympia. I had no idea there was so much to see.

There is a memorial to the Vietnam War that is reminiscent of the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington DC. 

The Korean War Veterans Memorial

World War II Memorial.

The campus is situated on a knoll overlooking Capitol Lake.

Winged Victory Monument commemorating WWI leads to the capitol building.

The brick and sandstone dome of the capitol building rises 287 feet and is the largest masonry dome in North America. You can take a free tour that lasts roughly an hour.

There are 6 bronze doors at the front of the building. Each depicts an image of the early industry and scenic beauty of Washington State.

The ceiling of the interior dome rises 175 feet from the floor of the rotunda. The 5-ton chandelier contains over 200 bulbs and was the largest created by Tiffany Studios in New York.

The Reception Room is used for formal state ceremonies, receptions and meetings.

Washington was admitted as the 42nd state to the union. There was no official flag created before Idaho & Wyoming were admitted 8 months later.

You can also see the Senate and House of Representatives chambers. Washington's legislators are citizen legislators, meaning their responsibilities at the Capitol are part-time. Legislative sessions last 105 days in odd years and 60 days in even years.

2019 07 05