As the United States grew and matured, preferences in architectural designs for our government buildings and construction techniques changed. I hope arranging images of the current capitols by date will tell the story of the progression. We won't know until at least most of the images are in place. If the old capitols can also be added, it just might make an interesting time line.

All images on this page have larger copies in the "Telling Them Apart" sections and the full credit information can be found accordingly in Credits & Sources. All date and design information was obtained from Cupolas of Capitalism, State Capitol Building Histories.

While working on this, it has become apparent not all designs can be attributed to one date or one style. I have done my best to pick the most appropriate information.

Maryland
1772-1785

Georgian

image courtesy of
Department of
Legislative Services

Virginia
1785

Neoclassical

image courtesy of
Prof. Jeffery Howe

Massachusetts
1795

Federal

image courtesy of
Galen R. Frysinger

Vermont
1857

Greek Revival (Portico)
Renaissance Revival (Building)

image courtesy of
omerka

California
1860

Italian Renaissance Revival

image courtesy of
Andrew

New Hampshire
1864

Neoclassical & Beaux Arts

image courtesy of
Roz and Roy Simpson

New York
1867

High Victorian

image courtesy of
Cyber Haus

Illinois
1867

Italian Renaissance Revival

image courtesy of
Mrs. Zumpano's
Fourth Grade Class

Nevada
1869

Italianate

image courtesy of
Nevada Commission
on Tourism

Wyoming
1886

Wyoming

French Renaissance
Revival

image courtesy of
David Simmons