Alabama – 

Dome, Cupola & Flagstaff

While the flagstaff is normally flying the National and the Alabama flags, I read we might see the Confederate flag up there some day. Or should I not mention that issue?

The dome has not always been white. The outer shell is tern coated metal, which is red, and for the first years it was left unpainted. Since then, the dome has been painted white with different coatings that changed color as they aged, so old photos might show it as anything from red or black to white. The current, white-based elastomeric polymer coating is performing well, so the dome should now retain the white finish.

image courtesy of jonzonk's Road Trip

Illinois – 

Observation Deck, Dome, Cupola, & Flagstaff

Observation Deck
The observation deck has four straight balconies, an unusual design around a round drum.

The railing around the bottom of the cupola is for limited access only. Many domed capitols have a deck with railing there, some refer to them as "widow's walks" like the high balconies sailor's wives used. Quite a place for an outstanding view, even without the sea to see.

Dome
The dome is unusually colored – a dullish silver. It is believed to be covered with zinc, and it is the only one this webmaster has found (so far) that is.

image
courtesy of Topologies.net