A History of the West Virginia Capitol: The House of State

by Jim Wallace

Even though the West Virginia Capitol deviated from the design of legendary architect Cass Gilbert, the iconic building is still considered a masterpiece. The full story of the Capitol is filled with twists and turns, from the fortunate fire that burned its predecessor to the tug of war between Wheeling and Charleston for the designation of state capital. Revisit the to-gild-or-not-to-gild debate that raged around the construction of the Capitol's signature crown, which once was in danger of collapsing on itself or toppling in heavy winds. Join Charleston author Jim Wallace for this captivating account of West Virginia's architectural jewel.

160 pages, Paperback

First published August 14, 2012

Reviews

[Paul Lunger · Rating 5 out of 5]

For anyone who has ever driven along I-64/77 in Charleston, WV there is nothing quite like seeing the light hit a certain way off the dome of the WV Capitol Building. Jim Wallace tells the complicated history of this building in "A History of the West Virginia Capitol: The House of the State". The story of the building not only involves the controversy in it being built and how it would get its golden dome but also involves the various rivalries in the state as to where this capital should be located with most of the back and forth being between Wheeling and Charleston with Clarksburg not helping matters at times either. It is that drama though that adds to intrigue of that story as well as to even seeing the things on the grounds which have had their own challenges over the years. As someone who has recently visited this complex it is as unique as the come and this book is a good souvenir for anyone who is either a native of the Mountain State or someone just passing through.