The Denver Traveler

Monday’s Must See: The Capitol Building

by Shawn Marie on June 16th, 2008

When catching a glimpse of Colorado’s Capitol Building you may imagine yourself to be in Georgia or Iowa if you have only noticed the Gold Dome. However, if you take a longer look and go beyond the Dazzling top of the building decorating Denver’s skyline- why you might just feel like you are in the Nation’s Capitol itself! Even the streets, Lincoln and Pennsylvania, that surround Colorado’s Capitol building are reminiscent of our Nation’s Capitol. This is no coincidence, The Capitol Building of Colorado was built in the image of the one in DC.

Though it had an admirable start to mimic- it is very unique in its own right and complete with a rich individual history. It was built in the 1890’s out of Colorado white granite. The doors are embedded with copper and glass and at each entry way is a light post from the 19th century. There are stone statues that surround the Capitol depicting early life in Colorado. A brass plaque can be found on an entry way stair that depicts the exact spot where Denver is 5,280 feet above sea level- making it the Mile High City.

Step into the cool of the building and you will find painted murals that share history and vision. Gold gilded picture frames hold portraits of every President while stained glass windows provide homage to some of Colorado’s famous sons and daughters.

If you visit while Congress is in session you can watch the legislative process up close and personal! Even if the politicos have the day off- wander into the galleries and you can see what they keep on their desks and imagine them there pressing their voting buttons after a heated debate, then click here for the inside scoop on Colorado’s politics of the day.

Climb up and up and up through the sideways staircases to the spiral ones and into the dome. The Dome was plated with 24 karat gold in 1908 to commemorate Colorado’s gold rush. Over the years under our hot sun some of that gold has melted off and one ingenious janitor used to collect the hot gold in cups and cash it in! He owned up to it, but no longer works at the Capitol building.

The Capitol Building is conveniently located at 200 East Colfax Avenue and may be reached via the phone by dialing 303-866-2604. The number 15 and number 0 buses stop right in front of the Capitol. Already Downtown?- Hop onto the 16th Street Mall Shuttle and take it to the Civic Center stop, cross the street and you are there!

The Colorado State Capitol Building is open to the public Monday through Friday from 7:00am to 5:30pm.
Looking for a tour- enter through either door and make your way to the center of the lobby, a desk is right there for you to sign up.

In the mean time why not take a virtual tour provided by The State Archives of Colorado!

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POSTED IN: Art, Attractions, Getting Around - Local Transportation, Great Walks, History & Information, Must-See Sights, People - Interesting Local People, Top Ten, Tours - Guided or Self-Guided