Welcome back to the statehouse series. Today we travel to the Michigan capitol building.

Located in the state capital of Lansing, the Michigan Statehouse that stands today is the third building to house the Michigan government. The original statehouse was located in Detroit, Michigan’s original capital. The original statehouse was relocated to a second building in 1847, which was built with a wood frame structure. The present building was dedicated in 1879, designed with Neoclassical and Italianate styles. After a three-year restoration project, the capitol was rededicated in 1992.

The Michigan State Capitol is a truly a magnificent structure, with four-stories, two grand staircases, and a cast-iron dome that displays eight beautifully painted muses. Throughout the interior, the entire white floor tiling is made of Vermont marble and limestone. The only exception is the rotunda floor which is composed of 976 blocks of translucent glass.

The building also houses the State Senate and House of Representatives chambers, both rooms decorated differently. One features a terra cotta and teal ensemble while the other displays blue and gold. Like many other capitol buildings, the statehouse grounds feature various monuments and statues while highlighted by some not-so-typical notable trees: an Eastern White Pine, the state tree of Michigan; the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Tree; and the oldest tree on the grounds, an 1873 catalpa.

For more information, such as how to schedule a tour, please be sure to check out the Michigan Statehouse website.

Along with the exhibits about the first governor, there are exhibits about all of the governors and an exhibit about the “Greater Lansing Area Attractions.”

Photo of the Michigan State House by Nikopoley on Wikimedia Commons.

The U.S. Statehouse Series is a project of the State and Federal Communications team of summer interns: Alessandra Dickos, Zack Koozer, Elaina Laikos, and Rachel Rodgers.