Every time we go on vacation in the USA, if we are near a state capitol, we go there! So no exception this time - we found the capitol building of the state of Virginia only a few blocks from the Confederate White House. As you can see it was overcast and cool.
This is the front of the Capitol building. There is a walkway in front of it (used to be a drive). The state recently added office space completely underground to house staff and offices so it wouldn't detract for the historic building STILL in use today.
Here you can see Sandi on the steps. Remember there is that walkway between the pillars and the steps. This photo is deceiving.
Inside the rotunda they have an original statue (in marble) of George Washington. He actually posed for this and the french sculptor Hudon made it. Apparently in the early years of our country the Federal Capital would alternate between Philadelphia, PA and Richmond, VA. Finally when George Washington was president, he chose the site in Washington DC that we now have - which they apptly named after him!
Near the capitol building when one could drive into a circular driveway - there is a very large statue all in tribute to George Washington on horse. It shows the four aspects of our country and a statue just below Washington in each corner: Andrew Lewis (Colonial Times; Patrick Henry (Law); Thomas Jefferson (Independence) and Thomas Nelson (Finance).
The mace on the left is the only left of British style rule in Virginia. When Congress (on the right) is in session this mace fits on the podium (see photo right in the center of podium) until they are done.
This is the Governor's mansion or what they called the Executive Mansion for Virginia. He has been used every term of the Virginia Governor since it opened in 1813. The current Governor and his family live there today. Easy walk for him to the capitol. The capitol was right behind me when this photo was taken.
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