Rhode Island State House
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Construction of the Rhode Island State House was begun in 1895 and completed in 1904. The building is the third state house built by Rhode Island, and was designed by New York architectural firm McKim, Mead & White.
In addition to being used for the state's legislature, the State House is also home to Rhode Island's state library and the Governor's offices. The swearing in of the Governor traditionally takes place on the large South staircase at the rear of the building.
Marble is the predominate material of the State House, and the dome is the fourth largest marble dome in the world. The dome is topped by an eleven foot tall, gold-covered statue of Independent Man designed by artist George Brewster.
The building seems incongruous to its surroundings. Both Route 95 and the Providence Mall are very close by and there aren't many architecturally sympathetic buildings in the immediate vicinity. It's impressiveness is probably enhanced by this though.
Location
82 Smith Street
Providence, RI 02903-1105
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