NORTH CAROLINA STATE CAPITOL
Raleigh, North Carolina
The 1840 State Capitol is a National Historic Landmark located in the heart of downtown Raleigh. The New York architectural firm of Ithiel Town & Alexander Jackson Davis are credited with the initial designs, and Scottish architect David Paton is responsible for the completion of the project and much of the interiors. The Capitol is made of a native stone called gneiss that was quarried 1 1/4 miles from Union (Capitol) Square. The roof and dome are covered with cooper, and an anthemion design crowns the dome. The structure contains three floors designed to accommodate all three branches of North Carolina's government. The Supreme Court and State Library moved from the building in 1888, and the legislative branch relocated in 1961. The executive branch continues to maintain working offices on the first floor. Self-guided tours are available daily, and free public guided tours are available on Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. and on Sunday at 2:30p.m.
Click here to view the North Carolina State Capitol "Secret Tunnel"