The Oregon State Capitol looks very different from other US Capitols modelled after THE Capitol. It does follow the overall design – a central section with a dome-like structure, and two wings on the sides, but the grey marble and the overall architectural style makes it look more like a mausoleum. Which only means, it’s worthy of visit. And that would probably be the only reason for you to visit the city of Salem, Oregon’s capital, where the Capitol is located.
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The State Capitol is located in the middle of Salem, on the grounds of Wilson Park, which also showcases the state tree (Douglas fir) and the state flower (Oregon grape - a shrub with blue grape-looking berries and mistletoe-looking leaves).This is the 3rd purpose-built building for the State Legislature. The first two burned in 1855 and 1935, respectively. Although both buildings were built of stone, the fire completely gutted them, being fueled by the vast amounts of paper records. Thank God for SharePoint, right? (A little inside joke).This current Capitol was built in 1938, right after the second fire, in the fusion of Art Deco and so called "stripped Classical" style. This is when it′s still big and grandiose like the Parthenon, but without the Elgin Marbles. Back in 1930s, it was a go-to government style. Think Nazi Berlin and Soviet Moscow. First, the Salemites (it′s a word, google it!) hated the new Capitol. Duh. They said, the cupola looks like a paint can or a squirrel cage. Must be one well-fed squirrel - the dome is 51 meters high. Plus 7-meter height of the statue of Oregon Pioneer. The hollow bronze statue is covered with gold leaf.The Gold Man, as he is commonly known, is facing west, obviously, although in Oregon, 1 hour from the Pacific ocean, it makes little sense. He is holding an axe and has a piece of tarp on his shoulder. According to the artist, he is planning on building a shelter.The exterior of the capitol is enveloped in marble from Vermont. The inside (which we cannot unfortunately see, since I never entered the building), is lined with polished travertine stone from Montana. Travertine is the type of limestone found, for example, in the hot springs of Yellowstone.Vermont marble was also used for the sculptures on the building grounds. This one depicts Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, the first American explorers, who crossed the continent and reached the West Coast. They are being led by their indigenous companion and interpreter Sacagawea.The other sculptural group is called "The Covered Wagon", and depicts a pioneer family on their way westward. The father is trying to see the fabled West from under his hand, and the mother is on her knees, probably praying.Another sculpture on the grounds of Wilson Park is "The Circuit Rider". Circuit riders were preachers, who were travelling around large areas (circuits), attending to the settlers′ religious needs before the proper churches and parishes were established. This sculpture reminds of the origins of Salem as the hub for several Christian missions in the area.The remains of the columns of the second Capitol, which looked more like "traditional" Capitol building, and housed both the Legislature and the State Supreme Court. The statue in the back is of Jason Lee, a Methodist missionary and a prominent figure in Oregon politics. He was Canadian, born in Quebec.Press ESC to exit
