Trip Planner: USA / West Virginia / Charleston / Sightseeing / West Virginia State Capitol

West Virginia State Capitol, Charleston

(360+ reviews on the web)

Government Building

The West Virginia State Capitol is the seat of government for the U.S. state of West Virginia, and houses the West Virginia Legislature and the office of the Governor of West Virginia. Located in Charleston, West Virginia, the building was dedicated in 1932. Along with the West Virginia Executive Mansion it is part of the West Virginia Capitol Complex, a historic district listed on the National Register of Historic Places.BackgroundPrior to the American Civil War, the counties that would ultimately form West Virginia were a part of the state of Virginia; the state capitol was in Richmond, Virginia. After Virginia seceded from the Union in 1861, the northwest counties of Virginia loyal to the United States started the process which would ultimately create the State of West Virginia on June 20, 1863.Settling on a state capital location, however, proved to be difficult. For several years, the capital of West Virginia intermittently traveled between Wheeling and Charleston. In 1877, however, the state's citizens voted on the final location of their capital, Charleston.Prior capitolsWheeling, 1863From the state's inception in 1863, the legislature met in the building of the Linsly Military Institute, on Eoff Street in Wheeling. The government soon outgrew this building, which had been built in 1859. In 1865, the legislature voted to move to Charleston, which was to be the permanent capital city. The legislature remained in Wheeling until 1870, when the new building was completed.

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Reviews

TripAdvisor

cryoung2

This is a beautiful building sets alongside a working river. It is very easy to access and has adequate parking. Nice grounds maintenance with lots of trees and wildlife around. Don't pass it up. more »
cntrydaydreamer

we were there on a Saturday and they don't have official tours then, just we walked around inside and it is a truly beautiful building. more »
ShVir

My reserve unit conducted a change of command ceremony in courtyard of the capitol. Beautiful background for a military ceremony and I really enjoyed walking around to the various museums. Worth a tri... more »

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Google

Presley Matthias

Wonderful place to go if you have never been to the state. We could have spent hours there going through all of the exhibits but unfortunately we were only stopping through. They also have a really friendly staff. A great thing to do is park at the Capitol Market and take the trolley to the museum!

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Dominic Ottaviano

The museum is absolutely awesome and deserve 5-stars but parking was such a nightmare it completely ruined it. Don't go if House is in session. Evidently parking for those who are supposed to serve the public is more important than the public. Follow the signs for parking only to find all of the meters reserved. Absolutely miserable trying to find a parking spot.

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Sidney Jackson

Shows the history of the area from prehistoric to modern times. See the front desk and get the treasure hunt book, it makes the tour more fun.

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Tara Leigh

It was like a trip into Disney World, I'm still shocked that it was free admission considering how intricate all of the displays were!

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Chessa Johnson

We were in Charleston West Virginia just for the weekend.. needed to get the kids outta the hotel for a bit and this was the best!!! We had 4 kids with us 4,4,8 &13, also had 4 adults and 2 senior citizens... this place was free and not dirty and there was something for everyone here!!! It was a great place to visit, and learn something without knowing u were getting an education. Haha.

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