There are all sorts of impressive structures to admire throughout the Great Lakes State, from the iconic Mackinac Bridge to the skyscrapers of the Motor City. While each building holds its own unique history, there’s something undeniably special about the home of our state’s government and legislative bodies. If you’re impressed by architecture and engineering, you’ll be fascinated by the story behind the iconic state capitol building, which has been lauded as a historic feat of engineering in Michigan.
The Michigan State Capitol is located along North Capitol Avenue in Lansing. If you’ve spent most of your life here in the Great Lakes State, you’ve undoubtedly toured this beautiful locale at least once.
As with most state capitol buildings throughout the United States, the Michigan State Capitol building serves as a homebase for a variety of important governmental offices, including Michigan Legislature.
While the current building has existed since the 1870s, it isn’t the first structure to house Michigan’s governmental bodies. In fact, Detroit was the state capital until 1847, when Lansing took the title.
Following the capital city’s shift to Lansing, which was largely influenced by a desire to protect Michigan from potential threats at the U.S.-Canada border, a temporary building was used for government business.
By the 1870s, the need for a permanent and commanding capitol building became obvious. Architect Elijah E. Myers kicked off construction with his team in 1872, with the massive project lasting through 1878.
While the capitol’s stunning dome and sheer size were major points of delight for Michiganders, the building was notable for another reason: it inspired a widespread trend of constructing fireproof buildings.
In the post-Civil War era, preventing fires in government buildings became increasingly important, as wartime artifacts and documents were preserved inside. Michigan’s capitol was an early example of this effort.
While restorations and renovations have taken place throughout the generations, many of the building’s awe-inspiring original charms remain intact, a testament to the work and brilliance of Elijah E. Myers.
Today, the building is so worth exploring – both inside and out. With its Italianate beauty, vibrant rotunda, impressive chambers, and more, the Michigan State Capitol is a true feat of design and architecture.
For a more detailed look at the Michigan State Capitol, check out its official website. Have you and your loved ones been lucky enough to tour this unique building during previous visits to Lansing? Is there another feat of engineering in Michigan that we should cover in a future piece? Share your thoughts with us by leaving a Facebook comment, or take some time to complete our nomination form.
