Virginia State Capitol

The Virginia State Capitol is the seat of state government of the Commonwealth of Virginia, located in Richmond, the state capital. It houses the oldest elected legislative body in North America, the Virginia General Assembly, first established as the House of Burgesses in 1619.

Virginia State Capitol
The Virginia State Capitol Building in Richmond in August 2017
Location1000 Bank St, Richmond, Virginia, U.S.
Built1785–1788
ArchitectThomas Jefferson; Charles-Louis Clérisseau
Architectural styleEarly Republic, Palladian
NRHP reference No.66000911
VLR No.127-0002
Significant dates
Added to NRHPOctober 15, 1966
Designated NHLDecember 19, 1960
Designated VLRNovember 5, 1968

The Capitol was conceived of by Thomas Jefferson and Charles-Louis Clérisseau in France, based on the Maison Carrée in Nîmes. Construction began in 1785 and was completed in 1788. The current Capitol is the eighth built to serve as Virginia's statehouse, primarily due to fires during the Colonial period. The building also served as the Confederate States Capitol during the Civil War from 1861 to 1865. In the early 20th century, two wings were added, leading to its present appearance. In 1960, it was designated a National Historic Landmark.

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