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West Virginia State Capitol, Charleston

4.4
#2 of 27 in Things to do in Charleston
Government Building · Architectural Building
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The West Virginia State Capitol is the seat of government for the U.S. state of West Virginia, and houses the West Virginia Legislature and the office of the Governor of West Virginia. Located in Charleston, West Virginia, the building was dedicated in 1932. Along with the West Virginia Executive Mansion it is part of the West Virginia Capitol Complex, a historic district listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Prior to the American Civil War, the counties that would ultimately form West Virginia were a part of the state of Virginia; the state capital was in Richmond, Virginia. After Virginia seceded from the Union in 1861, the northwestern counties of Virginia loyal to the United States started the process which would ultimately create the State of West Virginia on June 20, 1863.
Settling on a state capital location proved to be difficult. For several years, the capital of West Virginia shifted back and forth between Wheeling and Charleston. Other locations, including Martinsburg and Clarksburg were offered as alternatives. The state's citizens voted on the final location of their capital, Charleston, on August 7, 1877. Make West Virginia State Capitol a part of your Charleston vacation plans using our Charleston online itinerary planner.
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West Virginia State Capitol reviews

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TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
524 reviews
TripAdvisor
  • We have not been inside but we have driven and walked past it a hundred times and it never gets old. The gold dome makes it stand out from any vantage point. 
    We have not been inside but we have driven and walked past it a hundred times and it never gets old. The gold dome makes it stand out from any vantage point.  more »
  • We stopped in for 90 minutes and did a self-tour. Just a beautiful building that words can't describe. Staff were very friendly and helpful. It's a must see for any West Virginian. 
    We stopped in for 90 minutes and did a self-tour. Just a beautiful building that words can't describe. Staff were very friendly and helpful. It's a must see for any West Virginian.  more »

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