Having left Mansfield OH and stayed overnight in Wilkes-Barre PA, we finally made it to Montpelier VT. With fewer than 8,000 residents, Montpelier is the smallest state capital in the US.
Nestled between mountains, it’s one of the cutest state capitals with plenty of local retailers downtown. We were fortunate to have good weather for almost the entire week we spent there on our 50 state road trip as we visited at the beginning of May.
While staying in the city, we decided to take a tour of the Vermont State House.
As you head up the steps of the State House, you’ll be greeted by Ethan Allen, one of the founders of the state of Vermont.
To enter the State House, simply push open the door and let yourself in.
Once inside, head off to the small room on the right. There are staff members in there who’ll be able to answer any questions you have and who’ll also loan you a free audio wand and map of the Capitol building.
The laminated map has several numbered locations on both the first and second floor, so follow the map to those locations. When you enter its respective number on the wand, you can listen to learn about whatever it is you’re looking at.
You can also use your phone to get an audio tour, but using their wand means you can save your battery and take photos more easily as you walk around.
With audio wand and map in hand, take a wander around the lobby.
You’ll learn about Abraham Lincoln…
…the history of Vermont’s three State Houses…
…as well as the two US Presidents who were born in Vermont.
Depending on if he’s in there at the time, you might get to peek in the Lieutenant Governor’s office.
The first floor is home to a meeting room that you can look in if it’s not being used.
If you’re from Vermont and want to know what your State Representatives will be discussing, each department had an agenda on its door outlining what would be under consideration.
After learning about everything on the first floor, we made our way upstairs to continue the audio tour.
The padding of the second floor’s window seats contain horse hair. If you rub your hand on the cover, you can feel the coarse hair inside.
Our first stop was the Senate Chamber. Despite the oval ceiling, the Senate Chamber is actually D-shaped.
There’s seating to the left and right of the Chamber’s entrance which appeared to be where members of the public are allowed to sit during Senate sessions. If you get to a session early, there’s some thrilling reading to help you pass the time 😉
One of the main focal points of the room is the chandelier hanging from the ceiling. This is the State House’s original chandelier which was rediscovered in 1930.
Out in the hallway of the second floor is a display about Vermont’s involvement in the Civil War. It turns out that in 1777, Vermont was the first state to abolish slavery.
The Vermont State House self-guided audio tour continued in the Representatives Hall.
Similar to the Senate Chamber, there’s seating to the left and right of the entrance which again is presumably where members of the public can observe the sessions.
If you want to know who’s supposed to be representing you, there’s a handy map outlining the seating arrangement.
Also similar to the Senate Chamber, there’s an ornate chandelier hanging from the ceiling. On the ceiling itself are 16 petals, with each petal weighing 500lbs.
Around the hall’s perimeter are light fixtures with sculptures of different people atop them.
Moving on from Representatives Hall, we made our way into the Cedar Creek Room. Vermont is one of only a few states to not have an official residence for the governor. As a result, the Cedar Creek Room is used for entertaining by the governor and other state officials. Prior to that, the room acted as a library.
The Cedar Creek Room has a large painting of The First Vermont Brigade at the Battle of Cedar Creek in 1864. It’s an impressive piece of art.
After walking through the Cedar Creek Room, you’ll come to a hallway which is the end of the tour. In the hallway is a fireplace with a marble display above it; the display contains almost every type of Vermont marble.
Final Thoughts
The audio tour of the Vermont State House in Montpelier was actually the first state house tour we’ve done on our 50 state road trip (Vermont was state 5). I’m now wishing we’d done tours of the previous four state houses as it was a great way to learn more about Vermont’s history and some of the workings of its elected officials.
If you visit the Vermont State House, we’d also recommend going on a quick hike behind the building afterwards. It’s a nice walk up to Hubbard Park Tower and gives you some stunning views of Montpelier.
Trish says
Beautiful
Photos – especially the winding staircase (to second floor?)