This is the third and final part of the New England State Capitols, for a total of six. In this part we took a tour of Rhode Island and Connecticut State Houses. There is a lot more to these State Houses than I remembered. They all seem to run together after a while, but each one has at least two or three unique characteristics worth delving into. History and Government were my two least favorite subjects in high school, but I have grown to love learning about our country and its history in my — eh hem — old age. You may learn something too!
September 16, 2025. Providence, Rhode Island State House
At the turn of the twentieth century, Rhode Island was the wealthiest state per capita, a status reflected in the design of its State House. Constructed from marble quarried in Georgia, the building was among the first major public structures to feature electricity. Its impressive dome ranks as the fourth largest self-supported marble dome in the world, surpassed only by St. Peter’s Basilica, the Minnesota State Capitol, and the Taj Mahal.
On top of the dome is The Independent Man, representing freedom and independence while alluding to the independent spirit which led Roger Williams to settle and establish the Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. Independent Man is a 1,200-pound, gold-plated bronze sculpture and a proud symbol of the state.
The State House was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1970, and much of the interior decoration is original, or closely resembles the original design.
Not only is it opulent, the Rhode Island State House upped their game for visitors compared to some of the other New England States. They have a slick, trifold colorbrochure, from where much of this information was obtained. The first floor houses The Charter Museum, where they recommended we start our self-guided tour (they weren’t offering guided tours the day we went).
Rhode Island Charter Museum
This room was impressive! The museum has on display the original document signed by King Charles II, the Royal Charter of 1663. By the 1650s, Rhode Island’s diverse communities came together to affirm and formalize a shared commitment to religious freedom and democracy. Residents sent a delegation to London to obtain a charter to ensure their rights. It’s challenging to read, with the calligraphy and old English, but quite amazing to witness in person.
This is a replica of the flag that supposedly flew on one of the ships that carried the 1663 Charter from England to Rhode Island. The original is in the collection of the The Redwood Library and Athenacum. Newport, Rhode Island.
Rotunda
I love State Houses with a dome and rotunda. They add to the grandeur and presence of a building. The view changes with each turn you take throughout the building.
Staircase leading to the rotunda.Replica of the DomeBronze Head of the “Independent Man” cast in 1976. Full size replica.Underneath the dome.Looking up at the rotunda.View of the chandelier.Roger Williams and his followers meeting Native Americans.A big rug was covering the state seal, but Tim wanted to verify it was there LOL.View from one side.Cleaning up the dome.View from the other side.
State Reception Room (Governor’s Office)
The brochure calls this “the most ornate room in the building,” with the gilded ceiling, gold-crowned marble pilasters, large fireplaces and crystal chandelier. This is where the Governor holds press conferences and signs bills.
Fun Fact: On Inauguration Day, the Chief Sheriff, dressed in early 19th century garb, walks through the French doors out onto the Governor’s Balcony and reads the Proclamation of Election of the Governor, which is followed by a 19-gun salute on the State House lawn. 🙃
Tim is showing perspective.Reception Room CeilingFull-scale portrait of George Washington
Rhode Island House of Representatives
There was a lot of construction going on while we were in the building, so the Chambers were both in disarray. The House has 75 members; each Rep has their own solid oak desk.
Rhode Island Senate Chamber
The Senate Chamber looks bigger than the House in these pictures, but it’s actually smaller. There are 38 members of the Senate. Inspired by the Pantheon in Rome, this room has been restored to its original colors and finishes. Uniquely, the senate gallery is above the rostrum, meaning those watching from above cannot see the speaker. In all our tours, this was the first Capitol we have seen with that design.
Senate Ceiling.
Rhode Island State Library
My librarian friends may enjoy reading this! This library is part of the Secretary of State’s office, and it is open to the public. The collections date back to 1750, focusing on the legislative history of Rhode Island and the United States. The library ceiling was designed to look like the back of a leather-bound book (can you picture it?). The 16 circles around its perimeter of the ceiling are European printer’s marks from the 15th-17th centuries. The stairways and catwalk supports are iron, painted to look like the rest of its mahogany interior. There is also a special exhibit here from the first manned lunar landing in 1969.
The back is just as opulent as the front, and I loved the sky in this one so I had to include it. Rhode Island.The State House is just a pleasant walk away from downtown Providence, where we enjoyed lunch. This is the view of the State House on the way back. The past couple of centuries have given it a very stately entrance.
September 19, 2025. Hartford, Connecticut State House
Driving into Hartford, we quickly noticed a building that resembles a palace. It is one of the most beautiful state capitols we have seen to date.
We felt like we were going to visit the Queen of England, and we were sorely underdressed.
Hartford, Connecticut. State House.
Beneath the dome in the rotunda stands the Genius of Connecticut on her small dome replica. Original stained glass windows and hand-stenciled 24K gold foil adorn the inside of the dome.
Famous People from Connecticut
Nathan Hale is a Connecticut hero. He was a spy for George Washington during the Revolutionary War, captured and hanged by British soldiers while bravely stating that all-familiar quote, “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.”
The Forlorn Soldier statue is estimated to be 144 to 147 years old, one of the oldest Civil War monuments in the state.
We heard a lot of stories throughout our New England State Capitol tours about fourth graders making requests and having it turned into something monumental, like this bronze statue for instance. In 1995, a group of fourth graders requested Connecticut name Prudence Crandall as the State Heroine, which was granted by an act of the General Assembly. She was the first to admit an African-American into her school. Angry White parents who didn’t want their kids in a bi-racial school removed their children, so she founded a new school for “young ladies and missus of colour,” supported by the anti-slavery society. Unfortunately, it was forced to close after a mob attack. The bronze statue of Crandall and her student Sarah Harris was funded by “Pennies for Prudence” a few years later. Designed to maintain their likeness, the statue was installed in 2008 in a place of prominence in the State House.
Connecticut Senate Chambers
The tour guide was sure to point out some unique attention to details found in this room. The big mahogany doors are ornamental, with the state seal engravings on the hinges and doorknobs. The seal is also in the middle of the senate room, woven into the carpet. This room used to be the library, and was converted into the Senate Chamber in 1913.
The Lieutenant Governor presides from the Charter Oak Chair, carved from the fallen oak tree which hid the self-governing charter given to the colony by King Charles II in 1662. The Charter Oak tree fell in 1856, nearly 200 years after the charter was hidden there. The charter is in the Museum of Connecticut History across from the State Capitol building.
“He who transplanted still sustains.”
Connecticut House of Representatives
This room is also quite magnificent, with carved walnut paneling and ornate stenciling, stained glass windows, multiple state seals on the royal blue carpet, and the original desks of legislators still in use today. The gallery is on the floor above the rostrum, as it is in Rhode Island. Don’t pick your nose up there, or all the legislators will be able to witness it (haha).
Our private tour guide stamped our passport making this our 31st State Capitol. We said good-bye and visited a few other artifacts on our own.
Love the staircasesBeautiful stained glassHotchkiss Revolving Cannon
This model of the “Flagship Hartford” was built by an American naval veteran with only one arm. It took him two and one-half years to complete the model. It was from his command post on the “Hartford” at the Battle of Mobile Bay (Alabama) on August 5, 1864 that Admiral Farragut uttered his historic battle cry: “Damn the torpedos, full speed ahead!”
The actual figurehead from the prow of the “Hartford” is in this glass-enclosed case.
FIRST REGIMENT CONNECTICUT VOLUNTEER CAVALRY, 1865. This beautiful flag was presented to the veterans of the First Regiment Conn. Volunteer Cavalry by Gen. Brayton Ives who was commander of the First Cavalry when he escorted Gen. Ulysses Grant as he went to receive Gen. Robert E. Lee’s surrender.This bed was used by the Marquis de Lafayette, a French citizen who served as a major general under George Washington during the Revolutionary War. The strings on canvas beds had to be drawn taut to prevent the beds from sagging, thereby giving rise to the time-honored saying of “Sleep Tight.”
And on that note, we will say, “sleep tight.” This is the third and final blog for New England state capitols, so I hope you are still with us! “Whew!” We saw a lot, learned a lot, enjoyed some pretty exquisite delicacies and great weather while we traveled through these six states. I hope you have learned something too! Please comment below and let me know what you think.
Bushnell Park, Hartford Connecticut.
À la prochaine…hasta la próxima vez…until next time!
“I am the Lord, who heals you.”
Exodus 15:26
*Credits: The tour guides present some great stories which you may or may not catch on your own. They were short-staffed at the Rhode Island State House so we didn’t have a guide. I also obtained historical information from plaques inside the State Houses, tour brochures, Capitol websites, and good ol’ Wikipedia.
This is the second of three New England blogs. Maine and Vermont were State Capitols 26 and 27 on our bucket list, covered in Part 1. In this blog you will read about the two New England Capitols of New Hampshire and Massachusetts. You will hear some unique stories of statehood, at least two ways New Hampshire is both number one and number fifty in the nation, the role Paul Revere played in the Statehouse of Massachusetts, and why Tim almost didn’t get to tour that one. Part 3 will cover the last two New England states of Rhode Island and Connecticut.
September 11, 2025. Concord New Hampshire State Capitol
Welcome to the New Hampshire State Capitol, home of the “oldest continuously used legislative chambers in America”! That’s how the trifold paper brochure begins; they seem to be proud of this heritage. The building opened in 1819, was enlarged in 1864 and again in 1910. This Capitol is #28 on our bucket list adventure. The sign behind Tim reminds us this is the nation’s oldest State Capitol in which a legislature meets in its original chambers. Step inside the story behind New Hampshire’s iconic State House and discover its fascinating roots!
Crafted in the striking Greek Revival style by architect Stuart Park, this landmark didn’t just take shape overnight. It cost a hefty $82,000 to build back in the day. But here’s a twist that sets it apart: the elegant three-story facade, built from local gray granite, was actually quarried and shaped by prison inmates, adding historical intrigue and uniqueness. This historic building is part of the Concord Civic District and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. It’s a significant site for those interested in the history and governance of New Hampshire, or for traveler’s like us who are checking off a bucket list.
Unveiling the Sparkling Story of New Hampshire’s Golden Dome
Perched above the New Hampshire State House in Concord, the shimmering gold dome crowned with a proud eagle is more than just a pretty sight—it’s a vibrant piece of the state’s history. Originally topped by a wooden “War Eagle” in 1818, symbolizing strength during turbulent times, the statue was later replaced in 1957 by a gold-gilded copper eagle facing right, representing peace. Today, the original wooden eagle rests inside the New Hampshire Historical Society for all to see.
The dome’s signature golden glint was first achieved in 1993, using 16 pounds of gold. However, the real transformation came in 2016, when artisans gilded the dome with 23.75-karat gold leaf, carefully hand-applying delicate 3×3-inch sheets (without ever touching the gold directly!) at a cost of $2.6 million. This sparkling symbol is a must-see for history buffs and curious travelers alike.
The Visitor’s Center
Since 1920, New Hampshire has held the first presidential primary in the United States. Campaigners drop off their buttons and stickers in hopes of gaining momentum. New Hampshire’s first-in-the-nation primary status, unique voting system, and the media spotlight make it a critical battleground for presidential candidates, setting the tone for the rest of the election cycle. This exhibit is in the Visitor Center where we started our tour. Most of these buttons are from those who didn’t win.
This picture of Christa McAuliffe is surrounded by all the campaign buttons and swag. Remember her? I forgot she was from New Hampshire. (She was the teacher on the Challenger when it exploded.)
Hall of Flags.
New Hampshire holds the largest collection of Civil War flags in the world. The docent told us some great stories about how they obtained all of these flags. Watch the two brief videos below (1 minute total) to hear our tour guide tell us a story about a free black page and his contribution to this collection.
First part of the story of this amazing flag (Regiment #13). 30 seconds.“Good for him!” The entertaining conclusion of the page and the flag. 30 seconds.
Artwork in NH Statehouse.
Did you know that nestled among more than 200 paintings in the Capitol, only nine feature famous women? One of the first remarkable women you’ll encounter is Harriet Patience Dame. Defying the odds, Harriet fought tirelessly to join the war effort—even after being repeatedly told, “That’s no place for a woman.” But she never backed down. Her remarkable story was recently immortalized in a new book, and I can’t help but wonder if my book club would be captivated by her courage and legacy.
Harriet joined the war as a nurse out of urgent need and quickly became a hero, earning a chestful of medals. She braved battles like Bull Run and Gettysburg, caring for both Union and Confederate wounded, and stayed with the 2nd NH Regiment for nearly five years without ever taking leave. Captured twice but released for her compassion, Harriet witnessed loss and courage on the front lines. After the war, she worked decades at the Treasury Department. Honored with a full military burial at 85, her portrait now hangs in the Hall of Flags.
The Battle of Vicksburg. This is just a section of a very large landscape painting 25 inches high by 60 inches wide. It’s a reproduction of The Battle of Vicksburg found in Gettysburg, but this artist wanted to “correct” a few things to make it more accurate. For example, in the center he included the hat on a sword which was carried as they marched into battle.
Artist: James Walker
Year: 1884
Medium: Oil on canvas
New Hampshire House of Representatives.
One might expect a small state to have a small House. Not so! New Hampshire’s state house is packed with 400 representatives serve a population of just 1.4 million, each representing about 3,300 people. It’s the largest state house in the U.S. and the fourth biggest English-speaking legislature worldwide. With a $100 annual salary and eligibility starting at age 18, it’s truly a citizen’s legislature—no desks, no frills, just democracy in action! When the guide told us they can start serving as young as 18, Tim laughed with, “they’re not even old enough to drink!” To which our guide immediately quipped, “yeah, but they can vote on it!”
House of Representatives. This room just got air conditioning last year. That blew my mind! Imagine 400 people gathered in a room of this size (it used to be smaller) with no A/C. I guess it wouldn’t be too bad in January, but by the time June rolls around it would get pretty stuffy in there with the hot New Hampshire summers!
Fun Fact: If the men want to take off their jackets, they must have a woman recommend it, e.g. a woman has to make a proposal for the men to remove their jackets. This odd rule dates back many years, with men wearing jackets to sessions due to tradition and decorum.
Here’s a fun Capitol story: George Washington’s portrait was the first to hang on the front wall, but when a group of fourth graders touring the building noticed Lincoln’s portrait was missing, they sprang into action. They started a “pennies for the portrait” drive, collecting enough money to buy and install Lincoln’s portrait themselves. It’s amazing what determined kids can accomplish!
Among the Capitol’s portraits, you’ll spot Franklin Pierce—the only U.S. President from New Hampshire; Daniel Webster, a legendary lawyer and electrifying speaker who drew crowds like a rock star; and John Hale, the first U.S. Senator to boldly oppose slavery and launch a presidential campaign on an anti-slavery platform. Their stories bring New Hampshire’s history to life in vivid color.
Our tour guide insisted she take a picture of us behind the podium. Members have to go to the microphone if they want to speak.Our guide was super sweet and very knowledgeable. We hit her late in the day, yet she still had plenty of energy with stories that held our interest throughout the tour.
New Hampshire State Senate.
Unlike the House of Representatives, New Hampshire has the fourth smallest state Senate in the US, with only 24 members. Senators are also paid $100 per year for their service, so no preference here. As you may have guessed, New Hampshire has the lowest paid legislatures of all 50 states. If you are interested in learning more about how state legislative salaries are calculated, check out this interesting website.
Our guide shared stories behind the Senate murals, painted by Barry Faulner in 1942: Dartmouth College’s first graduation; Daniel Webster reading the Constitution; Abbott Thayer, “father of camouflage,” teaching art with an angel behind him; and John Stark gearing up for battle.
Governor’s Executive Council Room.
If you think New Hampshire does things its own way, you’d be right; the Executive Council is a prime example. I was fascinated to learn this five-member group, sometimes called “The Governor’s Council,” isn’t just there to rubber-stamp decisions. They actually help steer the ship by advising the governor on nearly everything and serve as a real check on executive power. While the governor can veto laws and lead the National Guard, the Executive Council has the final say on big-ticket contracts over $10,000, pardons, and key appointments. That’s not something you see in most states! Their chambers have been part of the State House since 1909, although the idea of an Executive Council dates back to the Colonial Era when King Charles II issued a 3,438 word commission, in 1679. The Royal Commission separated the territory of New Hampshire from Massachusetts. Unlike other states like Massachusetts–where the council is mostly just advisory–New Hampshire’s council shares the actual workload and responsibilities. It’s democracy with a twist, and I found it surprisingly refreshing compared to what I expected.
The Governor’s Executive Council Room
Statues and Grounds.
Stroll through the New Hampshire State House grounds and you’ll discover a treasure trove of striking sculptures and memorials, many crafted from locally quarried granite. When Concord became the state capital in 1808, townspeople generously donated the land, creating the roomy State House Park out front. Over time, the site’s original wooden fence gave way to cast iron. In 1915, a sturdy granite retaining wall enclosed the grounds. The first statue, honoring Daniel Webster, was unveiled in 1886, soon joined by other monuments and an elegant memorial arch celebrating Concord’s soldiers and sailors. More recently, new tributes have appeared for veterans and law enforcement, demonstrating remembrance and local pride.
Daniel Webster. The first statue to be installed here. He was a congressman from NH, US Senator and US Secretary of State, not the one with all the words written into a dictionary, although he was very intelligent.They just erected this statue about a year ago. Can you believe it’s been nearly 40 years? “I TOUCH THE FUTURE. I TEACH.”
FUN FACT: Meet New Hampshire’s very own Liberty Bell—a full-size replica, complete with its famous crack! This bell isn’t just ringing for show; it’s one of fifty-three that the U.S. Treasury rolled out in 1950 with a little help from six American mining companies and the Ford Motor Company, who delivered these bells to every state like the ultimate road trip. Why? To launch a whirlwind seven-week savings-bond campaign! The original Liberty Bell lives in Philadelphia’s Independence National Historical Park, shining as a timeless symbol of freedom since 1753. Hmmm, could this turn into another bucket list?
Replica of the Liberty Bell. In front of the State House. You’ll always find one hanging around the Capitol buildings somewhere!Another memorial. Can you tell what time it is? It was correct at the time we were there!The Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch leading to the New Hampshire State House is impressive..She might be small, but she sure is pretty. Underneath the arch. Notice the flowers. They are on other State Houses in New England as well.
City of Concord Seal, on the ground in front of the Capitol.
FUN FACT: Concord, New Hampshire, was the birthplace of the famous Concord Coach. In 1827 Lewis Downing, who owned a wagon wheel shop in Concord, formed a partnership with J. Stephen Abbott and developed their famous coach, which provided a smoother ride than its predecessors. Their company, Abbott, Downing & Company, and its successors produced thousands of stagecoaches until it was dissolved and the name acquired by Wells Fargo in 1927.
Our Classy Girl and Tim. We had a hard time finding a place to stay in New Hampshire, so we booked a Harvest Host and dry camped in a church parking lot for the night. We woke up to 47 degrees! The weather was perfect for boon docking. The church was about 13 minutes from the State House, and we felt it was safe to leave the Airstream behind for this one.
Map of the New England States (just a piece of Maine is shown northeast; Pennsylvania and New York are west). New Hampshire is bigger than Rhode Island, but these states aren’t that big. I had to really zoom in to get the state boundary markers.
Whew, that part of the blog was probably a bit longer than it needed to be, but I found New Hampshire to be quite interesting with all the fun facts. I hope you’re still with me! On to Boston, where we toured the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library, visited the State Capitol, walked the entire Freedom Trail, and enjoyed some time in a hotel while our Classy Girl was getting a little upgrade. While Boston has a lot to offer, it should be shorter. 🥰🥰
View of Boston from the JFK Presidential Library.
September 12, 2025. Boston Massachusetts State Capitol
It’s about an hour from our Harvest Host to Nashua, where we dropped off our Airstream. Tim booked a hotel outside of the city, as there was something going on to make the rates outrageous! We really wanted to stay downtown in Boston, but it has taken us several attempts to get here with many obstacles standing in our way, so we decided to just do it. It is on our bucket list, after all!
You may recall the story about the Constitution Chair in my previous blog, with a picture of the USS Constitution, the famous ship at the end of the Freedom Trail. The State House is at the beginning. We got so many steps in that day, my Apple watch thought it had been kidnapped. I’ll include a couple of stops on the Freedom Trail, but this blog is primarily about the State Capitol.
Boston Massachusetts State House.
The Golden Dome
The original wood dome, which leaked, was covered with copper in 1802 by Paul Revere’s Revere Copper Company. The dome was first painted gray and then light yellow before being gilded with gold leaf in 1874. During World War II, the dome was painted gray once again, to prevent reflection during blackouts and to protect the city and building from bombing attacks. The dome was re-gilded in 1969, at a cost of $36,000, and once again re-gilded in 1997, this time in 23k gold at an estimated cost of $1.5 million.
The dome is topped with a gilded, wooden pine cone, symbolizing both the importance of Boston’s lumber industry during early colonial times and of the state of Maine, which was a district of the Commonwealth when the Bulfinch section of the building was completed
It’s True! Not All Heroes Wear Capes. Some Wear a Badge.
Driving in Boston is a madhouse! Especially when you are in a Ford F250 with a hitch attached 🥴. Tim dropped me off and said to go on in without him and do the tour while he drove around the city. I sadly complied, and then this happened. A kind security guard at the entrance screening heard my distress. I explained what had happened and he said, “follow me.” Who am I to argue with a guard who carries? He walked me outside the building where a spot was just waiting for us, right beside the State House! It took Tim a few minutes to catch up to us, but once he got there the guard removed the cones so we could park there, and we were able to leave it there while we toured the building without any fees or concerns. He even called me later in the day to ensure we had no trouble with tickets or otherwise. A true Boston Hero!
Help is on the way!
We had some time to kill while waiting for the tour to begin, so we walked around the first floor looking at various statues and busts around the massive hall.
Doric Hall, where the tour begins.
Civil War Army Nurses Memorial
Civil War Army Nurses Memorial, By Bela Lyon Pratt, 1911 Bronze, 52 x 88 1/2 x 47 inches, unveiled February 12, 1914.
Countless women stepped up to volunteer during the Civil War, seeking ways to help even as the fighting drew close to home. Though barred from the battlefield, they eased pain and sped recovery for wounded soldiers in many creative ways.
Bela Pratt’s sculpture in Nurses Hall, inspired by the Pietà, captures this spirit of compassion with the gesture of the figure’s free hand. The caregiver’s tender embrace and caring touch honor the dedication of Civil War nurses. In tribute, the legislature renamed Staircase Hall as Nurses Hall in 1984, ensuring their sacrifices remain at the heart of the Boston State Capitol.
The Grand Staircase
The Grand Staircase.Here’s a closer look at the stained glass window, top of the Grand Staircase. Designer unknown.
Artwork of all Kinds
Tim’s Uncle Mike created some beautiful stained-glass gems, one of which his wife gave us when he passed away. Those are about the size of a breadbox, which took him hours to make. This puts into perspective how long these windows and ceilings must have taken to design and create. Works of art!
1899, standing 52′ above the floor of Memorial Hall.This “Great Hall of Flags” built later, in a more contemporary style, featuring clock designed by Ronald M. Fischer in 1990 who won a competition commissioned by the Commonwealth under the “1% for Art” program. Glass, bead blasted stainless steel, bronze, 8 x 3 1/2 ft.Be sure to look down at the level of detail in the mosaic floors,Missionary John Elliot is speaking to the Native Americans. An important part of Eliot’s ministry focused on the conversion of Massachusett and other Algonquian Indians. Accordingly, Eliot translated the Bible into the Massachusett language and published it in 1663. It was the first complete Bible printed in the Western hemisphere. Our tour guide was fun to watch. He was a bit eccentric, a bit like Sheldon Cooper, yet he was spot on with the information about the Capitol.
Massachusetts House of Representatives
Sacred Cod.
This cod designed an unknown artist was given by John Rowe, a prominent merchant and representative from Boston, in 1784. It was said to produce good luck and serve as a reminder of the fishing industry, presiding over the general court. It is a nearly five foot (150 cm) carved-wood effigy of an Atlantic codfish, painted to the life, hanging in the House of Representatives, ”a memorial of the importance of the Cod-Fishery to the welfare of this Commonwealth” (i.e. Massachusetts, of which cod is officially the “historic and continuing symbol”).
Sacred Cod
Fun Fact: In 1933 the Sacred Cod was briefly “Cod-napped” by editors of the Harvard Lampoon, prompting police to drag the Charles River and search an airplane landing in New Jersey. In 1968 it was again taken briefly, this time by students at the University of Massachusetts Boston. The fish presents such delight to tourists and locals alike, the State Library of Massachusetts wrote an entire article titled “What’s so odd about our Sacred Cod?”, if you like that sort of thing.
Senate Reading Room
Massachusetts Senate Chamber
Notice the cod fish, hanging in the chandelier at the center of the Senate? This one is sometimes called the Holy Mackerel. 😂
Freedom Trail
No trip to Boston would be complete without walking at least part of the Freedom Trail. We walked the entire trail, which was about eight miles on our legs, then caught a Lyft on our way back to the truck. I highly recommend it. It’s a fairly easy walk, but it is long if you walk all the way across the bridge. Perhaps you can do it in sections, spending several days in the city, and drive across the bridge to save some steps. There is a lot to see. Here are just a few of the amazing sites.
We started at the Visitor’s Center.Boston Common, across from the Capitol.Ben Franklin’s parents and other notable Americans are buried here.Granary Burying GroundBunker Hill MonumentCrossing over Charles River. It was a great day!
Wrap-up New Hampshire and Massachusetts.
I hope you enjoyed Part 2 of the New England State Capitols (State Houses). Comment below and tell me one thing you discovered about these wonderful cities or buildings! I would love to hear from you. I promise I will not spam you. You need to sign up to comment so my website knows you are a real person.
Finally, look for Part 3 of the New England state capitols where we will cover Rhode Island and Connecticut and wrap up the New England states. Be on the lookout for more Easter eggs! Every Capitol has something unique to share.
À la prochaine…hasta la próxima vez…until next time!
“I am the Lord, who heals you.”
Exodus 15:26
*Credits: The tour guides present some great stories which you may or may not catch on your own. I also obtained historical information from plaques inside the State Houses, tour brochures, Capitol websites, and good ol’ Wikipedia.
We visited all six capitols in the six New England states within 18 days. Whew, that was a busy time! I’m combining them all into three parts, as we were traveling feverishly between states, and there are some similarities to all six states and capitols. However, there are also some unique factors to each one, which you are sure to notice. The first part will include Vermont and Maine. Part two will cover New Hampshire and Massachusetts; then the third part will showcase Rhode Island and Connecticut. This is the order in which we visited them all.
September 2, 2025. Montpelier Vermont State House
WELCOME TO VERMONT’S STATE HOUSE, featuring the nation’s oldest legislative chambers that are still used by lawmakers in the way they were originally designed and decorated. This historic capitol building showcases many original architectural and decorative finishes, including furnishings and gas chandeliers.
Montpelier is a cute little town. It’s the nation’s smallest capital city, and the only one without a McDonald’s. (Can you imagine??) We visited the State House, which is also very simple and small, got our passport stamped, and learned they conduct tours on the hour. We arrived at 20 past the hour, so we thought we’d miss it, but they weren’t busy so the guide offered to give us a private tour. Our docent took us everywhere, letting us get up close and personal to the desks, chairs, and furnishings in all the rooms we entered. (We stayed in an RV park near there, close to the town of Barre, pronounced “Barry,” also worth visiting.)
Vermont State House (Capitol). State House and Capitol are terms used interchangeably. It’s not a huge building like you will find in New York, but it has a beautiful presence. (It also cost a LOT less, at $150,000.)
We learned many fun facts about this Capitol, some of which I’ll share in this blog. Like the fossils in the limestone flooring, the 8th grade pages who get to sign their names inside the 24K gilded dome, and the most historic gas chandelier in America.
This is the third state house in Vermont, build between 1857 and 1859. Although larger than its predecessor, it was also constructed of granite and a plan that closely resembled the previous building The columns and “porch” you see on the front are made of local granite, which is very durable. This part was salvaged from the fire that burned down the previous State House and reused here. It is the only remaining portion of the earlier Greek Revival State House of the 1830s.
If you step inside the Vermont State House, you’ll find both the House and Senate Chambers, plus the Governor’s office—though the Supreme Court has its own place elsewhere. When it comes to style, the current State House skips the traditional Greek Revival look (think big columns and perfect symmetry) and goes for the trendier (at the time) Italian Renaissance Revival vibe, with fancy details and those classic rounded arches that were all the rage back in the day. Like a lot of old public buildings, the State House has changed along the way, picking up three small additions at the back to help out with things like office space and storing important documents. Fast forward to the 1980s and 90s, and the whole place got a serious makeover—restoring it to its mid-1800s glory. That meant bringing back original carpets and drapes, and sprucing up the best parts of the building, especially the rooms where the action happens, like the legislative chambers and main public areas.
Tim is standing in front of the front doors to show perspective. They are huge! And gorgeous! The doors are made of pine to save money, but the architect painted the exterior bronze and interior mahogany to emulate a more opulent entrance.Ethan Allen, founder of Vermont, greeted us at the entrance. The statue depicts Allen invoking “the Great Jehovah and the Continental Congress,” when he surprised the British at Ticonderoga. Original sculptor Larkin Mead carved marble, using his imagination to create the image, as no portrait of Ethan Allen exists. It was replaced by a replica in 1941 due to deterioration from weather exposure.
The Golden Dome and Spidermen
Vermont is one of just nine state capitols wearing a dazzling gilded dome. The dome on top of Vermont’s third State House is a striking example of Renaissance Revival style, more ornate than its predecessor but not overly extravagant. Originally made of wood and covered in copper, the dome was painted red to resemble Italian tile and kept that color for nearly 50 years.
In 1906, legislature allocated funds to gild the dome with ultra-thin 23.75 carat gold leaf (as close to pure as possible). How thin is it? It is so thin that 250,000 sheets would stack to just an inch. The gilding process involved sanding the copper, applying coats of lead-based oil paint, and then methodically layering long sheets of gold leaf.
Sergeant-at-Arms C.H. Ferrin refused extra safety spending for “unattractive staging and scaffolding,” so the workers applied the gold while balancing on ladders 150 feet up, entertaining crowds below and showing up in the Vermont Watchman who described them like “spiders in the air.” The dome has been re-gilded several times since, with the process evolving to include more advanced safety measures like scaffolding.
The original statue of Agriculture atop the dome was carved by Brattleboro sculptor Larkin Mead. (Remember his name. It will come back again.) Unfortunately, in 1938 the wooden statue rotted and was in danger of toppling off the dome. Eighty-six-year-old Sergeant at Arms Dwight Dwinell volunteered to carve a new statue with the help of his janitorial staff. It was 14 feet tall and mounted on a six-foot pedestal. In 2018, the dome was again regilded and weatherproofed, and a new wooden statue of Agriculture was added on top.
The Dome’s Interior
The dome is supported by a double truss system, but due to changes in design during construction, the Vermont State House doesn’t feature any interior architectural expression of the dome—meaning you won’t see it from inside, and it doesn’t have a beautiful rotunda like other capitols. Bummer.
Fossils on the Floor
The black and white checkered tiles continue the vintage look throughout. The white tiles are made of granite from Danby Vermont. The black tiles are made of fossiliferous limestone (often mistaken for marble) brought in from Isle La Motte on Lake Champlain. The black tiles contain fossils seen throughout the State House; the fossil pictured below is one of the most prominent seen in the main hallway.
FUN FACT: The black fossiliferous limestone used to be part of the Chazy Reef, which is in modern day Zimbabwe, but it slowly made its way to Lake Chaplain in Vermont over the centuries. Could this be further evidence of the great flood? Things that make you go “hmmm” 🤔.
Fossil. Some type of snail maybe?Staircase outside the Senate
We went up the spiral staircase to see the senate chambers on the second floor. Vermont Statehouse has twin spiral staircases rather than one grand staircase as seen in capitol buildings with large rotundas beneath the dome.
The stairs are made of cast iron, which you can tell when you walk on them. No creaking and very sturdy. However, they are painted to look like wood to keep with the original design. Cast iron was chosen to make it more fireproof. Lesson learned from past experiences.
Vermont Senate Chambers
Step into the Senate Chamber and you’re instantly transported back to the mid-1800s—time machine optional! This stunning room has been lovingly restored to its original glory, and almost all the furnishings date back to the 1850s. With just 30 senate members, it’s an unusually cozy space that still manages to feel grand and impressive. Imagine Renaissance meets Rococo Revival, all wrapped in a classically elliptical design, accessible elegance at its finest.
Take a look at the rostrum: it’s a showstopper, hand-carved with Vermont’s Coat of Arms right in the center and topped with gas lamps symbolizing Inspiration and Meditation. And don’t miss the chandelier overhead! It’s evidence that history can be seriously stylish (and maybe even a little bit magical).
FUN FACT: Notice the green carpet. It took the senators 7 years to decide on a pattern during the restoration project.
Vermont Senate Chambers. Tim is admiring the chandelier. This is not THE chandelier, but it is certainly is admirable. After disappearing for more than six decades, this chandelier made a dramatic comeback in 1981. This chandelier is a masterpiece with its maritime flair—picture seahorses, delicate water lilies, and Neptune himself looking down from above. Keep reading to learn about THE historic gas chandelier.Muse “Inspiration”Vermont coat of arms carved onto the front of the rostrumMuse “Meditation”Have you ever seen so many stamps?
Vermont is where I learned about pages. The Senate is very restrictive. Senators are not permitted to have food or drink in the Chambers. They can’t even have water. They can’t leave or connect with others unless they ask a page. Little stools are for the eighth graders who serve as pages for six-weeks at a time, rotating in and out while sessions run from January through May. Senators will write a note, knock, on their desk, then a page will pick up the note and run in the state house to find the person or thing they need. Pages are there Tuesday through Friday, go to school on Mondays, and do school work in between. It’s a great learning opportunity for these kids!
FUN FACT: At the end of their 6-week term, Vermont pages get to go up into the dome and sign their name! This is a unique privilege as the inside of the dome is typically off-limits.
Vermont House of Representatives
The first thing you notice when you enter this room is the magnificent chandelier. Right in the middle of Representatives’ Hall, you’ll find the original bronze and gilt chandelier in the center of a ginormous lotus flower; it’s a real showstopper. What’s cool is that this isn’t just any old light fixture; it’s actually one of the most significant surviving gas chandeliers in America. They call it a two-tiered electrified gasolier (which basically means it was originally lit by gas), made in Philadelphia by Cornelius and Baker. Take a closer look and you’ll spot allegorical figures representing Prudence, Eloquence, and Science, mixed in with four copies of Hiram Powers’ famous Greek Slave sculpture. The latest thinking is that the inclusion of the Greek Slave was meant as a quiet nod to abolitionism, especially given this was a pre-Civil War building. If you’re curious, there’s a fascinating article about this, which is definitely worth checking out.
The House Chamber has been fully restored to the way it looked when first created in 1859. The carpet, draperies, and upholstered furniture are all just as they were originally.
FUN FACT: Vermont was the first state to abolish slavery, doing so in its constitution on July 2, 1777. This made it the first colony to completely ban the practice before it joined the United States.
The most significant surviving gas chandelier in America.The House Chamber. Look up and notice the lotus flower; each pedal weighs 500 pounds. There are 16 pedals, making it an 8,000 pound flower! Siri just informed me that’s 4 tons! 😳 Ceilings throughout the building are made of plaster, reinforced with steel beams, so it shouldn’t be falling on anyone’s head anytime soon. You still might cross your fingers when you walk underneath. 🤞🏻This picture of George Washington miraculously survived the fire in the previous building, along with the frame. Frame and all, this 1837 copy of Gilbert Stuart’s original was rehung in the same location in the present State House, above the Speaker’s rostrum. Above it is the Vermont Coat of Arms, carved of pine, painted, and gilded for the chamber in 1859.Vintage lamps on the rostrum.I don’t recall the names of these muses.I so badly wanted to bang this!
The Vermont Governor’s Office and the Constitution Chair
The Governor’s Office is primarily used when the Legislature is in session or for special ceremonial occasions. The Governor does not have a residence here. This office was also meticulously restored to its original look of 1859 by the Friends of the State House in 1984 with replicas of the original carpet, draperies, gaselier, and some furniture. Most intriguing is the Constitution Chair, which has served as Vermont’s Governor’s chair since its presentation to the State in 1858.
Our tour guide is very impressed with the Governor’s Office. We were too.
A Governor’s Chair with Sea Legs
The USS Constitution is the world’s oldest commissioned warship still afloat. Horace Powers, who served aboard the legendary frigate, wasn’t content with just memories. He asked for—and was granted—a special favor: enough wood from “Old Ironsides” to craft a chair fit for Vermont’s governor. That chair isn’t just a seat—it’s a piece of naval history, presented by Powers himself, connecting landlocked Vermont to the high seas with every polished timber. Talk about a chair with serious sea legs (and a whole lot of history).
Sadly, the antlers broke off of the deer in storage, and when they hired someone to restore it during the renovation project, the man who restored it wanted to add the antlers back. He drove to Boston and asked for a little more wood from the USS Constitution so he could restore it properly. This shows the lengths people will go to when they are restoring something back to its original state.
FUN FACT: Ironically enough, we toured the USS Constitution with our friends ten days after we left Vermont, yet I didn’t make the connection until I was posting this blog! She sits at the end of the Freedom Trail in Boston if you ever get a chance to go there.
If you wander around on the second floor, you’ll stumble into one of my favorite spaces in the Vermont State House: the Cedar Creek Reception Room. It’s the only room up there that’s been restored to a later chapter of State House history. The star of the show? A jaw-dropping, wall-consuming painting, The Battle of Cedar Creek, stretching a dramatic 20 by 10 feet. This room was once the State Library, lined with shelves and secrets, before it morphed into a Gilded Age reception lounge in 1888. Once the books were evicted, this place got a Gatsby makeover: elaborate wall stencils, brass gas chandeliers that bend and swirl, a lavish Oriental-inspired carpet, and stained glass skylights that throw rainbows across the floor.
But here’s where things get a little Scooby-Doo. When they cleared out the library, they also removed those magical skylights, and nobody seems to remember why. Fast forward. A worker’s crawling through the attic, probably hunting for insulation gremlins, when—crunch—his foot lands on something suspiciously glassy. Lo and behold, he’s uncovered the lost treasure of the Vermont State House: every single piece of those original skylights, just chilling in the attic for decades! They sent the glass shards to a restoration company near Boston, but here’s the kicker: there were zero photos, nada, to show what the skylights used to look like. The restoration team basically had to play the ultimate game of “puzzle without a picture on the box.” Now that’s State House magic at work!
The Artist Behind the Painting.
Let me introduce you to Julian Scott—a true legend with a backstory worthy of a Hollywood blockbuster movie. At just 15, Scott fibbed about his age and signed up for the Union Army in the Civil War. He wasn’t old enough to fight, so they handed him a fife and later made him a drummer boy, sending him into the thick of battle with nothing but rhythm and nerves of steel. Here’s where things get heroic. In the chaos at Lee’s Mills, Julian didn’t hesitate. With bullets flying, he made three daring trips across a creek to rescue wounded soldiers, earning himself the Medal of Honor—even though he was still basically a kid. He is one of the youngest people in the country to have received America’s highest military decoration.
After the war, Scott’s story took a more creative turn. He hopped over to Paris to hone his craft and returned as a top-tier Civil War artist. The Vermont State House tapped him to capture the Battle of Cedar Creek, choosing that moment because it’s where Vermont troops really made their mark. But Julian wasn’t about painting glorified, heroic poses; instead, he focused on the grit and sacrifice—the real, raw side of war. He didn’t actually fight at Cedar Creek himself, so he went full detective mode. He wrote to veterans and their families and asked for photos, eventually collecting images of 21 Vermont soldiers who took part in the action. So, if you’ve got family ties to Cedar Creek, there’s a chance their actual faces are immortalized in Scott’s masterpiece.
Julian didn’t just stop at the painting. He personally designed the frame, decorating the corners with shields that honor other battles where Vermont’s brigade made history. Every detail is a salute to real people and real stories, a true State House treasure.
More Paintings and a Famous Head
As if that wasn’t enough information overload, our tour guide took us through a few more spaces, sharing stories about various paintings and sculptures. For such a small building, Vermont State House is packed with history! She was not in a hurry, spending plenty of time answering our questions as well as entertaining discussion. For example, after the tour she told us about a local creamery where we could go and buy one of the local favorites. That was worth remembering!
Gov. Howard Dean, M. D., 1991 – 2003, painted by Carroll Jones.
Gov. Dean loved the outdoors, and since governors get to choose how they will be depicted in their portraits, he chose a scene he likely spent a good amount of time in. They pay for it after all, so it’s only right they should get to pick their style. The State House staff lovingly (jokingly) refer to this portrait as the “L.L. Dean.” This could be on a magazine cover for sure!
Bust of Lincoln.
In the main lobby of the State House, she pointed us to the only work of art by Larkin Mead that remains in the Capitol, the marble bust of Abraham Lincoln in the Hall of Inscriptions. This bust was done in preparation for the large bronze statue Mead created for Lincoln’s tomb in Springfield, Illinois. So many condolences were given by Vermonters to Lincoln’s wife when he passed, she gave Vermont the bust of marble which Mead had “practiced” with. Can you imagine practicing with a block of marble?
Mead is the same sculptor who carved the original Agriculture for the top of the dome. The same one who sculpted the original Ethan Allen out of marble.
Vermont Wrap-Up
The Vermont State House stands as a testament to the small state’s values—welcoming, accessible, and community-focused. Unlike the grandiose capitols found elsewhere, Vermont is intimate, blending historic charm with functional beauty. Its modest size means visitors and locals alike enjoy close proximity to lawmakers and the governor, making it easy for citizens to engage directly in the legislative process. More than just a government building, the State House serves as a living museum, proudly shared with guests year-round.
One entertaining form of sharing the building with guests, unique to State Capitols, is the use of the Vermont State House for community gatherings. The Farmers Night Concert Series is a longstanding State House tradition. If you happen to be in Montpelier on a Wednesday during legislative season, you can attend a concert here for free. Artists from around the state, in genres ranging from classical music to bluegrass to barbershop, perform at 7:30 pm in the well of the House Chamber each Wednesday night! And yes, you can sit in the comfy legislative chairs as you enjoy the music.
September 5, 2025. Augusta Maine State House: The Heart of Maine’s Government
Maine State House
Let’s talk about the State Capitol. After all, that’s what you came for, right? Just so there’s no confusion, we’re in Augusta, Maine, not its southern namesake in Georgia. With a cozy population of around 19,000, Augusta is one of America’s smallest state capitals. Only Pierre, South Dakota and Montpelier, Vermont can claim tinier city vibes.
We stopped on the way from Vermont to our RV Park, not knowing we would pass through this town a few more times on our drive paths.
Maine’s first capital was Portland, but the state quickly realized it needed a spot smack in the middle of the state for everyone’s convenience. Enter Augusta! When the stately State House, built from Hallowell granite and delivered by trusty oxen, was finished in 1832, one year after August was made the capital of Maine.
Originally capped by a cupola, it was replaced by the current dome rising 185 feet. The Lady of Wisdom statue stands 15 feet from toe to torch and was recently restored to her 20th century majesty. The building has grown and changed so much over the years, you might not recognize the original!
Maine State House, Augusta
While it may appear to be, the Maine State House does not have a black dome. The dome is made of copper, but it was recently replaced and will initially appear brown. Over time, as the copper oxidizes, it will eventually turn green, similar to many other copper structures.
If you read my blog about South Dakota’s dome, which is also made of copper, the only truly black dome is found there (it turned black instead of green due to the perfectly clean air).
Portrait of George Washington stands at the top of the grand staircase, painted in 1836.Magnificent fireplace once used to heat this part of the building.
Maine loves celebrating its governors—just flip through the small tour pamphlet to find out! The Hall of Flags is decked out with portraits of legendary Mainers, including the first woman to serve in both houses of Congress and have her name floated for a major party’s presidential nomination. Look around, and you’ll also spot plaques honoring Maine’s brave soldiers from across the ages.
Head to the third floor for government in action: the House of Representatives, Octagon Hall (step outside onto the veranda but before you do, be sure to peek up for a view of the dome!), and the Maine Senate Chambers. For a peculiar touch, check out the West Wing’s black limestone floors. They’re streaked with ancient fossils, just like the ones we saw in Vermont’s State House. History is right underneath your feet!
View of the rotunda from the Octagon Hall.House of Representatives.Senate Chambers. Notice the semi-circles.On the veranda with our tour guide and some random stranger. The eight columns are solid granite and weight 20,000 pounds each! Getting them up there was quite a feat.View from the veranda. The park across the street is Capitol Park. The Maine State House and surrounding park is on 34 acres of land. This is a lot of land compared to many others we have seen.
Government: A Maine Event!
Maine’s political history is full of drama and firsts! The state boasts one of the nation’s oldest constitutions, standing strong since 1819. But did you know Maine was once just a district of Massachusetts? Locals wanted more control over their own destiny (and safety!), so statehood was put to a vote—so close, it squeaked by with a single “yes.” On March 15, 1820, Maine officially became the 23rd state, with Missouri joining the club a year later.
Trailblazers live here: Maine let women vote in school elections way back in 1874, nearly half a century before the rest of the country caught up! The state also played a heroic role in the Underground Railroad, helping those escaping slavery find freedom across the Canadian border. And here’s a fun literary twist for my book club friends: Abolitionist Harriet Beecher Stowe penned her iconic “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” back in 1852 while calling Brunswick, Maine home.
And in true Maine fashion, the state shook up the system in 2016 by being the very first to roll out ranked-choice voting for major elections. When it comes to government, Maine loves to do things its own way.
And now for a few more (or maybe more than a few) FUN FACTS about MAINE. I really should look these up before we visit a state. There is so much to see that we missed on this trip, but at least now we have more than one reason to go back. It’s an amazing state with a more moderate climate than one might think.
Maine: A State of Firsts and Only’s
Did you know? Maine officially joined the United States as the 23rd state on March 15, 1820, a milestone that shaped its unique place in the nation’s story. Step back even further in time to 1641, when York, Maine made history by becoming America’s first chartered town! That’s right, this coastal gem was blazing trails centuries ago.
Maine’s Native American heritage remains strong, with tribes like the Passamaquoddy and Penobscot preserving their traditions. Uniquely, Maine is the only U.S. state with a single-syllable name and borders just one other state (New Hampshire) the rest of its three boundaries meet Canada. As New England’s largest state (almost as big as all the other New England states put together), Maine offers a lot of room for adventure!
Maine dazzles with over 4,000 islands, but only 15 islands have year-round residents. It’s the largest New England state, yet the most rural and least populated east of the Mississippi (approx. 1.4 million), with approximately 44 people per square mile. Living here is pricey. Mainers spend 91% of their income on expenses, well above the national average of 81%. Still, cyclists love Maine’s scenic routes and endless adventure. Whether you’re here to visit or stay, Maine’s wild beauty and outdoor spirit make it largely unforgettable.
Maine knows how to party! From funky local music, quirky accents, and wild charity events to legendary sportfishing, the bone-chilling New Year’s Eve Polar Plunge, the towering Paul Bunyan, and even wife-carrying races, there’s never a dull moment. Explore beyond the top ten cities, and you’ll find epic national and state parks, top-notch ski resorts, the Maine Wine Trail, classic amusement parks with wooden roller coasters, and a Stonehenge replica for good measure.
Nature, Nature, and More Nature
Freeport is famous for L.L. Bean, an outdoor lover’s paradise since 1912. This picture was inside of one of the stores we visited. Freeport is where it all started. This was a smart adventure in a state known for its beautiful natural landscapes. Nicknamed the “Pine Tree State,” it’s a forest wonderland with nearly 90% covered in trees and thousands of lakes, rivers, and streams.
Acadia National Park was the first national park designation east of the Mississippi and now it boasts as the country’s second busiest. We came to Maine primarily to go there (and to eat lobster, and of course to see the Capitol). This park draws almost 4 million visitors per year, with its stunning coasts and wildlife like black bears, bald eagles, and puffins.
Outside of Alaska, Maine has the largest population of Moose in the United States (we never saw any 😢), which explains its designation as their state mammal. The cheerful black-capped chickadee rules as their state bird (they’re everywhere 😁).
The rocky hills of Acadia, especially around Cadillac Mountain, sport wild shapes like ice cream cones thanks to erosion. Hmmm, Cadillac Mountain must send a subliminal message as our ice cream craving unquestionably increased while we were there. A few hours away, Mount Katahdin rises tall at 5,268 feet, nicknamed the “Greatest Mountain,” and marks the epic finish line of the 2,180-mile Appalachian Trail.
Lighthouses, Islands and Downeast
If you’re up for unique sights, check out Lubec, Maine, like we did, where you’ll find America’s only candy cane-striped lighthouse. West Quoddy Head Lighthouse is perched at the easternmost tip of the United States. With its bold red and white stripes, it’s more visible in snow and fog and the very first spot in the country to greet the morning sun. The original lighthouse started guiding ships in 1808, with the current one taking its place 50 years later. Talk about a bright history!
Quoddy Head Lighthouse, Easternmost point of the U.S.A.
Campobello Island sits just off Lubec, Maine. It is the site of the Roosevelt Campobello International Park, Head Harbour Lighthouse, and Herring Cove Provincial Park. It’s officially Canadian, but the only way to drive there is through Maine! Sitting at the entrance to Passamaquoddy Bay and covering 27 square miles (70 km²), it’s got a quirky passport twist. We spotted this gem during our Lubec trip and took a picture from the mainland, but Tim’s expired passport kept us stuck on the American side—maybe next time!
Mulholland Point Lighthouse, situated at the southwestern tip of Campobello Island. It is no longer in active service. Mulholland Point Lighthouse was built in 1885 and served as a guide for the many small coasters, passenger ships, and freighters traversing the narrow Lubec Channel en route to or from the United States or Canadian ports on Grand Manan Island, just south of Campobello Island.
Commissioned by none other than George Washington in 1791, the iconic Portland Head Light claims the crown as the world’s most photographed lighthouse! After perusing the website, I definitely plan to photograph that one if we go back to Maine’s rugged coastline. I picture another road trip touring all of the state’s 65 history-packed lighthouses, each with its own story to tell.
Ready for some coastline bragging rights set to a quirky title? “Downeast” is synonymous with coastal Maine. People sailing from Boston head downwind to Maine in short, “downeast” (even though it’s technically in the northeast direction). A person from this area may be called a “down-easter.”
Including all its twisty inlets, islands, and tidal nooks, Maine’s shoreline stretches a whopping 3,478 miles—that’s longer than California’s coast! It’s the fourth longest in the country, and rumor has it, every navy on the planet could anchor in Maine’s deep harbors. Now that’s coastal cool!
Famous Inventions and World’s Largest
Did you know Maine is the birthplace of earmuffs, Lewis’ Arabian Hair Oil, the genius machine that churns out flat-bottomed paper bags, and even the first transatlantic radio transmission? That’s right! Maine’s got your ears cozy, your hair glossy, your lunches secure, and your global messages sent!
And for transit fans, Kennebunkport is home to the Seashore Trolley Museum—the oldest and largest museum devoted to mass transit on the planet. Maybe you’ll run into Sheldon Cooper there. Hop aboard for a trolley trip through time!
Ready for a wild water ride? Meet the Old Sow, the biggest tidal whirlpool in the entire Western Hemisphere, and one of the largest in the world, swirling just off the coast of Eastport, Maine. This natural marvel churns and twirls like nature’s own giant blender. Whatever you do, don’t ever triple-dog dare a friend to dip a toe!
Maine doesn’t just go big with scenery—check out its world-record sculptures! In Strong, you’ll spot a whopping 16-foot-tall wooden toothpick outside the hardware store, honoring the town’s epic run as the “Toothpick Capital,” churning out 75 billion toothpicks a year back in the day. Meanwhile, Rockland boasts the world’s largest lobster sculpture, celebrating Maine’s claim to 90% of the country’s lobster haul and its claw-some place in seafood history. We missed the sculpture, but we did eat an entire lobster in Bar Harbor for my birthday! From mammoth toothpicks to colossal lobsters, Maine knows how to make a giant impression!
My birthday dinner came with corn and crackers.
Feeling worldly? Head to Yarmouth, Maine and check out Eartha—the planet’s biggest rotating and revolving globe. This mega-map measures over 41 feet across and tips the scales at nearly 5,600 pounds. It took two years just to build this whopper, and yes, it totally outshines that 33-foot-wide globe in Italy!
A Few State Favorites
Antioxidants anyone? Maine is the largest producer of blueberries in the U.S., contributing to 99% of the nation’s yield. Did you catch that? Locals use these delightful berries to make blueberry pies, pancakes, oatmeal scone, gelato, syrup, muffins, ketchup, cake, chocolates, and more. When in Maine, eat blueberry pie. We did…twice!!
Can you give me a “whoopie?!” The Whoopie Pie was designated the state treat of Maine in 2011. “Mainers” love it so much they hold an annual Whoopie Pie Festival, featuring the best creations by local bakers. We had one of these as well and, yes, they are delish!
Cat lovers, listen up! Maine has a designated state cat! The Maine coon is a smart and fluffy giant that can grow up to 48.5 inches (wow 😳) and behaves a lot like dogs. Dogs that like to be in control, that is. Coon cat, anyone? Believe it or not, this is one of the oldest natural cat breeds in the US. I had to Google it just to see what they looked like, and I imagine you will want to do the same. I’m pretty sure we saw more than one of these crossing a road, and we thought it was a bobcat. They are HUGE!
Maine Wrap-up
From savoring farm-fresh produce at the historic Portland Farmers’ Market to exploring Augusta’s unique role as Maine’s state capital, this blog captures the state’s vibrant blend of tradition and innovation. Maine’s rich political history highlights its early strides in democracy, from adopting one of the oldest constitutions to pioneering ranked-choice voting and supporting women’s suffrage well ahead of the curve. The State House stands as a testament to Maine’s evolving identity, filled with tributes to trailblazers and reminders of the state’s enduring commitment to independence and community. Whether you’re a history buff or a curious traveler, Maine’s legacy of doing things its own way shines through every story, site, and tradition explored in this journey.
Pop on over to New England Part 2, where you will read about New Hampshire and Massachusetts State Capitols.
À la prochaine…hasta la próxima vez…until next time!
“I am the Lord, who heals you.”
Exodus 15:26
*Credits: The tour guides present some great stories which you may or may not catch on your own. I also obtained historical information from plaques inside the State Houses, tour brochures, Capitol websites, and good ol’ Wikipedia. There is also an excellent document written by the Vermont Sergeant at Arms and Capitol Police, which I assume they give to legislators to inform about the building as well as provide rules for conduct and usage of the Vermont State House. Maine fun facts were collected from a variety of sources including this one.
