Nevada State Capitol Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids
Nevada State Capitol
U.S. National Register of Historic Places

Front façade
Location	101 North Carson Street Carson City, Nevada
Built	1871
Architect	Joseph Gosling
Architectural style	Neoclassical Italianate
NRHP reference No.	75002126
Added to NRHP	June 10, 1975

The Nevada State Capitol is a very important building in Carson City, Nevada. It's where the state government used to work. This beautiful building was built a long time ago, between 1869 and 1871. It was designed in a special style called Neoclassical Italianate. Today, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which means it's a very important historical site. It's also recognized as Nevada Historical Marker number 25.

Building the Capitol
- Getting Started with Construction
- Laying the Cornerstone
Capitol Building Design
- Inside the Capitol
- Expanding the Building
How the Capitol Was Used
Gallery
See also

Building the Capitol

Abraham Curry, who founded Carson City, set aside a large area for the future state capitol. This spot was about 10 acres (4.04 hectares) in the center of town. Mark Twain, a famous writer, described the area in 1861. He said it was a big, empty space used for public events and where teamsters could camp.

Getting Started with Construction

In 1869, the Nevada Legislature passed a law to build the State Capitol. Governor Henry G. Blasdel signed this law. The team in charge of building, called the Board of Capitol Commissioners, looked at different plans. They chose the lowest bid, which was from Peter Cavanaugh and Son.

The law allowed $100,000 for building costs. This money came from a special tax and from selling public land. To save money, the building's sandstone was taken for free. It came from the Nevada State Prison quarry near Carson City. Even with this saving, the building ended up costing about $170,000.

Laying the Cornerstone

The first stone, called the cornerstone, was placed on June 9, 1870. A special brass box was put inside this stone. This box acted like a time capsule, holding items from that time. The time capsule was checked during renovations between 1979 and 1981. It was then put back in its original spot.

The state legislature started meeting in the building in early 1871. Even though it was not fully finished, they began using it. The entire building was completed by May 1, 1871. You can still see some of the architect's original drawings today.

Capitol Building Design

Nevada State Capitol in 1875

The original building had a cross shape. The main part was about 76 feet (23 meters) wide and 85 feet (25.8 meters) deep. It also had two wings, each about 35 feet (10.6 meters) wide and 52 feet (15.8 meters) deep. The windows have special French crystal glass.

Inside, the floors and lower walls, called wainscotting, are made of beautiful Alaskan marble. This marble was shipped in huge blocks to San Francisco. There, it was cut and polished before being installed in the Capitol.

Inside the Capitol

The first floor had a main office in each corner. These offices were connected by central hallways. On the second floor, the two wings held the legislative chambers. These were the rooms where the Assembly and the Senate met. A round dome with a small tower on top, called a cupola, let light into the second floor.

In 1906, an extra octagonal (eight-sided) section was added to the back of the Capitol. This new part was built to hold the State Library.

Expanding the Building

Octagonal annex

By the early 1900s, the legislature needed more space. A well-known Nevada architect, Frederic DeLongchamps, designed new wings. These were added to the north and south sides of the Capitol. They were ready for the 1915 legislative session.

These new wings matched the original building perfectly. They even used stone from the same quarry. The additions provided more office space and bigger rooms for the lawmakers.

How the Capitol Was Used

For over 50 years, all three parts of the state government worked in the Capitol. The Supreme Court met there until 1937. Then, they moved to a building next door. The Nevada Legislature also met in the Capitol until 1971. They then moved to their new Legislative Building, just south of the Capitol.

Almost every Nevada governor has had their office in the Capitol building. Today, the Capitol still serves as the Governor's office. The second floor also has interesting historical exhibits for visitors to explore.