Show-Me State Capitol Dome

The "dome" on the top of the capitol building is probably the most recognizable part of our local landmark. Inside the rotunda is a "whispering gallery," which was mathematically designed by an acoustics expert. If two peope are up in the rotunda, on opposite sides (65 feet apart), one of them can whisper, and the other can hear it clearly...as the sound follows the curve of the wall around to the other side.

The exterior of the capitol is made exclusively of Missouri limestone marble, and the building took just over two years to build (from 1915 to 1917). By comparison, most other capitol buildings of similar architectural style took from nine to as many as 33 years to build.

It's hard to see the statue on the top of the dome clearly, but it is a statue of Ceres, the Roman goddess of agriculture, or more specifically of grain. In fact, we get the word "cereal" from her name. Agriculture has always been one of Missouri's largest sources of income, with corn and soybeans being the two largest crops.  

Capitol View

The north side of the Missouri State Capitol, the side that overlooks the Missouri River. I guess technically this could be considered the back of the capitol building, but each of the four sides is beautiful....one side doesn't outshine the others!

The Governor's Mansion

Built in 1871, the Governor's Mansion is a combination museum and home to Missouri's "first family." Inside it has a gorgeous curving "unsupported" staircase, which is truly an architectural wonder. Original oil paintings of all of Missouri's first ladies adorn many of the walls of the first floor.

For anyone interested in learning more (and seeing more) about the Missouri Governor's Mansion, you can visit this website: http://missourimansion.org/

By the way -- this is the beginning of a series of photos that I took in Jefferson City, Missouri. Most of them will be of the state capitol building and it's surroundings. This is a change from my usual type of photography, but it's fun to change things up sometimes! :-)  

Bonds Chapel

This little chapel in the country was built in 1883. It is no longer used for services, but is cared for by an association formed for it's preservation. It sits only about 25 feet off the road, with no real parking area, so although I pass it weekly, this is the first time I've pulled off and taken it's photo, although I've always wanted to.

Someday I'll stop again, and wander through the cemetery with my camera -- there are some old stones there that need to be photographed before they succumb to time and the elements.