California Capitol Building.

This morning we drove down to the State Capitol Building, later we did some shopping at Camping World. The Capitol Building was about three miles from our campsite so we drove down to see the building and grounds. Parking was a breeze as we were able to find a spot on the square next to the grounds.

There were a lot of school field trips inside which made it a little crowded at times but also made it nice to eavesdrop as their guide explained the State Seal or a Governor’s portrait. Some of the rooms on the first floor of the original building now house recreations of state offices from the late 1800s and early 1900s, the Governor's office, Treasurer’s office and the Secretary of State’s office were all recreated. We enjoyed our walk through the building and the TLC put into the tile floors, woodwork and paint are evident.

 

The California State Capitol Building was completed in 1874.

 

Looking up at the rotunda from the first floor.

 

A portion of the tile flooring on the second floor.

 

A State Seal crafted in stained-glass is displayed above the entrance to both chambers, they were crafted in 1908.

 

The upper tones of the color red used for the State Senate Chambers are based upon the British House of Lords. A portrait of George Washington is displayed above the rostrum.

 

The lower tones of the color green used for the State Assembly Chambers are based upon the British House of Commons. A portrait of Abraham Lincoln is displayed above the rostrum.

 

This is the official portrait of Governor Jerry Brown, he did not want a portrait so this was commissioned without him sitting for it and he was less than happy with the result; oddly enough the portrait was left unfinished because the artist did not feel Brown was finished with politics (he is currently running for another term as governor). The official portrait of the governor is not displayed until he or she leaves office so we did not see Arnold’s and unfortunately Ronald Regan’s portrait was being cleaned.

 

 

We spent an hour inside then took a walk around the grounds which are known as Capitol Park. The 40 acre park surrounds the building with the majority of the gardens and memorials located on the east side. We walked past the memorials for the Vietnam War,  Firefighter’s and Veterans’ among others. We also walked through the World Peace Rose Garden and past the Cactus Garden before leaving the Capitol when our two hours expired on the parking meter.

 

A sample of Capitol Park.

 

The Veteran’s Memorial.

 

The World Peace Rose Garden.

 

 

 

 

The Cactus Garden.

 

The Cholla were blooming.

 

We returned to the mothership for lunch before driving out to Camping World. We had a list of items we needed or wanted to look at so we were out of there within a couple of hours but managed to spend over $100 an hour.