The Wisconsin State Capitol Building is a Beaux Arts-style structure located in Madison, Wisconsin. Designed by George B. Post, it was built in 1906-1917 to house the state house of representatives, state senate, and offices for the Wisconsin State Government. It replaced the previous state capitol building that burned down in February 1904.
The building is the third structure to be built on the present site and the fourth state capitol to house the state government since Wisconsin’s establishment in 1848. The first state capitol of Wisconsin was in the village of Belmont, Wisconsin, while the legislature met in a hastily constructed wood-frame building. Later the government moved to Burlington, which was a more developed Mississippi River port town, until the capitol building could be completed in Madison.
The second building constructed on the site was a relatively humble Greek Revival-style building which was replaced with a larger, Classical Revival-style structure with Romanesque Revival elements constructed in stages between 1857 and 1869, which featured a dome inspired by the United Capitol Building, semi-circular porticoes with corinthian columns, two short side wings with octagonal towers at the corners, which were modified and extended in 1882 with new wings that increased the building’s Classical Revival aspects, and downplayed the Romanesque Revival elements.
The building is clad in Bethel white granite, sourced from Vermont, with an additional 42 types of stone from a total of eight states and six countries being utilized on the interior of the building. The north wing was built last to allow the remaining portion of the previous capitol to serve as space for the state government during the construction period, with the central rotunda and dome also being built after the other three wings had been completed.
The building underwent a major renovation in the 1970s that covered up many original features, with later projects between 1988 and 2002 restoring the building while updating its systems and functions. The exterior of the building’s wings feature porticoes, rusticated bases with entrance doors and decorative keystones, cornices with modillions and dentils, and pediments with sculptural reliefs created by several sculptors. The wings also have different symbolism embodied by their design.
The building has a greek cross footprint with four five-story wings that are aligned with the compass directions and radial streets. The exterior of the building is characterized by semi-circular portions of the facade with semi-circular two-story ionic porticos featuring decorative copper lampposts, decorative stone balustrades, concealed entrances, and three doorways on the upper level.
In conclusion, the Wisconsin State Capitol Building is a significant structure with a rich history that has undergone several changes throughout its existence. It is an essential part of Wisconsin’s heritage that continues to serve as a hub for the state government and a symbol of Wisconsin’s history and traditions.