The Wyoming State Capitol and the Fight for Woman's Suffrage

The Wyoming State Capitol in Cheyenne serves as the workspace for Governor Mark Gordon and the state legislature. Built between 1886 and 1890 in a Renaissance Revival style reminiscent of the United States Capitol, the building is constructed from sandstone from quarries in Rawlins, Wyoming, and Fort Collins, Colorado. It was designated a U.S. National Historic Landmark in 1987 for its role in Wyoming's history, specifically for hosting conventions that ensured woman's suffrage in the state constitution.

Standing in the center of the rotunda, visitors can look up at the base of the dome, which is 50 feet in diameter and 146 feet high. From underneath, the stained glass imported from England sparkles with blue, purple, and green hues, while the upper side glistens with red, yellow, and orange. The first-floor rotunda features checkerboard marble floors, columns, and a staircase made of cherry wood brought from Ohio.

The House and Senate chambers are located on the second floor, featuring oak wood and massive murals painted by Allen Tupper True in 1917. The Senate chamber contains murals entitled Indian Chief Cheyenne, Frontier Cavalry Officer, Pony Express Rider, and Railroad Builders/Surveyors, while the House murals are entitled Cattlemen, Trappers, Homesteaders, and Stagecoach. The ceilings of both chambers are inlaid with stained glass from the Midland Paint and Glass Company of Omaha, NE, featuring the Wyoming State Seal.

The capitol underwent an extensive three-year renovation that concluded in July 2019. This project included the restoration of decorative paintings, moldings, and woodwork, as well as the addition of stairs, elevators, and restrooms. The work also included modernizing electrical and HVAC systems and gaining back visibility of the dome from North Capitol Avenue.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons