www.tomforst.com Richmond, Virginia visit

Virginia State Capitol

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The United States Department of the Treasury had 55 full-sized replicas of the Liberty Bell made and presented to each state and territory. Virginia's Liberty Bell replica was not seen. A Capitol employee at the information desk stated that it was in a fire station in Charlottesville. Why? She did not know.

State House:
In 1788 Virginia was the 10th state to ratify the U.S. Constitution. Also, in this year the Capitol was completed. It was designed by Thomas Jefferson in 1785 while he was the Ambassador to France. His design was only the center portion of the current building. The wings were added later. It is the second oldest capitol in continous use in the United States.
Washington Monument :
This monument was unveiled in February, 1858. It honors Virginians who made major contributions to the U.S. gaining its independence. George Washington is on top; the figures on the lower level are: Andrew Lewis, Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry, Thomas Nelson, George Mason and John Marshall.
Bell Tower :
The Bell Tower is southwest of the capitol and was the headquarters for the Virginia Public Guard. It is now the Virginia Travel Information Center.
Executive Mansion
The Executive Mansion is the oldest governor's residence still used for that purpose. It was completed in 1813.
Capitol Entrance
The State Capitol was recently renovated and expanded. Part of the expansion was a new entrance at street level with an underground passage to the capitol building. Within the underground passage are: a reception center, gift shop, educational area and committee rooms for the senate and the house.
George Washington Statue
This statue stands in the center of the rotunda. Jean-Antoine Houdon created this work and it is considered to be a perfect likeness. Houdon visited George Washington in 1785, took detailed measurements and made a life mask of plaster. The House Chamber in the background was the Old House of Delegates Chamber and is now a museum.
Governor's Office
The governor must have not been when I visited or else he was working behind closed doors. The SUV in front of the Executive Mansion probably had not moved.
House of Delegates Chamber
The House Gallery was open and this view of the House Chamber was photographed. The Senate Gallery and Chamber were not open.
Entrance to an Old Elevator Shaft
During the recent renovation an old elevator shaft was uncovered. Research revealed that at one time a steam operated elevator existed here. The renovators uncovered the shaft and restored it to its original state.

(Click HERE to return to list of states)

State House: In 1788 Virginia was the 10th state to ratify the U.S. Constitution. Also, in this year the Capitol was completed. It was designed by Thomas Jefferson in 1785 while he was the Ambassador to France. His design was only the center portion of the current building. The wings were added later. It is the second oldest capitol in continous use in the United States.
Washington Monument : This monument was unveiled in February, 1858. It honors Virginians who made major contributions to the U.S. gaining its independence. George Washington is on top; the figures on the lower level are: Andrew Lewis, Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry, Thomas Nelson, George Mason and John Marshall.
Bell Tower : The Bell Tower is southwest of the capitol and was the headquarters for the Virginia Public Guard. It is now the Virginia Travel Information Center.
Executive Mansion The Executive Mansion is the oldest governor's residence still used for that purpose. It was completed in 1813.
Capitol Entrance The State Capitol was recently renovated and expanded. Part of the expansion was a new entrance at street level with an underground passage to the capitol building. Within the underground passage are: a reception center, gift shop, educational area and committee rooms for the senate and the house.
George Washington Statue This statue stands in the center of the rotunda. Jean-Antoine Houdon created this work and it is considered to be a perfect likeness. Houdon visited George Washington in 1785, took detailed measurements and made a life mask of plaster. The House Chamber in the background was the Old House of Delegates Chamber and is now a museum.
Governor's Office The governor must have not been when I visited or else he was working behind closed doors. The SUV in front of the Executive Mansion probably had not moved.
House of Delegates Chamber The House Gallery was open and this view of the House Chamber was photographed. The Senate Gallery and Chamber were not open.
Entrance to an Old Elevator Shaft During the recent renovation an old elevator shaft was uncovered. Research revealed that at one time a steam operated elevator existed here. The renovators uncovered the shaft and restored it to its original state.