"H" is for Hampshire (New Hampshire)

The columns
of New Hampshire's capitol are unique. There are two tiers of nearly identical, round columns set in pairs at the main entrance. The only other capitol with its front portico columns all in pairs is Pennsylvania's, and it only has one tier.

image courtesy of
Roz and Roy Simpson

The H
It should be easy to connect the columns with an "H," or rather "H H H." The lines are already there, and the image at left highlights them.

An Association
I suppose the "H" could or should have been for Hawaii. However, if you compare this domed and columned structure to the Hawaiian capitol building, you will realize it is far more likely to be on our east coast than our Pacific islands. After all, instead of a solid dome, the Hawaiian capitol has a dome of sorts with an open hole. No kidding! So here, "H" is for Hampshire, the only other word in our state capitals' names that starts with an "H."

Roof line
The three-tiered roof of this capitol is unique. The overhang on each tier gives them a pointed profile, which draws out a slanted W.

detail from image at right

images courtesy of
Seth Gaines

There are four states that begin with the letter "W." So now you ask, "And how are we supposed to remember the W is for Washington?" I'm afraid you will need to learn the other three first to be sure, but how hard could that be? Who could forget Go West (to all that gold) Virginia, You Wish-consin, or Shy-Anne Wyoming?