The Vermont State House is in Montpelier, VT which is the smallest state capital in the United States and the only state capital without a McDonald’s. The capitol is located in front of a forested hill and faces the Winooski river, on its journey to Burlington and Lake Champlain. The location near the river places the

Vermont refers to the capitol building itself as the State House. States do vary in what they call their buildings: Some are State Houses, some are Capitols, and there’s a Legislative Hall in there too.

Look with pride on the Golden Dome – “These Green Mountains” – The Vermont State Song

What I love most about the nature of the Vermont State House is the fact that it is so integrated with the town and the rest of the state. It’s not uncommon to have concerts in the House of Representatives chamber that bring the public into the seats of the chamber to enjoy an evening in a stately environment.

The Vermont House Chamber.

The red chairs in the background are for guests of the House to be recognized. Vermont sports teams, civic organizations, or individuals of note can be found observing a session where they also receive a resolution on their prowess.

One of my favorite memories from high school took place in the Vermont State Senate chamber, as my high school team competed in the We The People state finals competition. The final hearing of the day took place in the Senate Chamber, and my group had the highest score of the day in a wonderful setting.

The building also features portraits of important Vermonters through history, including Calvin Coolidge, Admiral George Dewey (Hero of the Spanish American War and interred in the National Cathedral), and previous governors. Most are staid looking portraits of older white men wearing suits and looking serious. A more recent governor who achieved some national acclaim has a different sort of portrait known as “LL Dean”

Governor Howard Dean

The ground floor of the building also features a bust of Abraham Lincoln by Larkin Goldsmith Mead, brother of the Mead of McKim, Mead and White.

A large reception room is named after a battle in the Civil War where Vermonters were an integral part of a Union victory. A portrait hangs in the room as well, with a copy of the Vermont State Coat of Arms hanging above. The State of Coat of Arms is what is on the Vermont state flag, but is not the same as the State Seal. They both feature similar features, and the original seal was designed by Ira Allen.

An art deco state office building faces the State House across the street. The front doors feature a representation of Ceres, with many allusions to the maple industry in Vermont. She holds a representation of the Coat of Arms in her hand as well:

Vermont was the first ever state capitol that I had visited, but was only the start of a larger journey across the United States. Since I do get back to Vermont a few times a year, I might return again to add some more photos, and get some better views of the chambers.