Mississippi State Capitol
The Mississippi State Capitol, located in Jackson, Mississippi, is a magnificent example of neoclassical architecture and serves as the state’s seat of government. The Capitol building, constructed in 1903, has a rich history and serves as a symbol of Mississippi’s enduring strength and tenacity.
The renowned architect Theodore C. Link, who previously designed the Louisiana State Capitol and Union Station in St. Louis, designed the Capitol building. The structure was created with materials acquired from across the state, including marble from Georgia and limestone from a quarry in Columbus, Mississippi.
The façade of the building is ornamented with neoclassical elements, such as Corinthian columns, pediments, and a magnificent dome. The 180-foot-tall, cast-iron dome is the second-largest dome in the United States, after the dome of the United States Capitol building in Washington, D.C.
Entering the Capitol building, visitors are met by a vast rotunda filled with magnificent murals by William A. White of Mississippi. The murals reflect historical events in Mississippi, such as the signing of the Magna Carta, the establishment of Natchez, and the ratification of the Mississippi Constitution.
The Mississippi State Capitol contains the offices of the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Secretary of State, as well as the Senate and House of Representatives of Mississippi. Both the House and Senate chambers are enormous halls with beautiful chandeliers, complex plasterwork, and elaborately adorned walls.
The Mississippi Freedom Trail Marker, placed in the rotunda, is one of the most noteworthy elements of the Capitol building. The memorial honors the Civil Rights Movement and the Mississippians who fought for justice and equality by recognizing their efforts. The marker is inscribed with the phrase “We Shall Overcome,” which became a rallying cry for the Civil Rights Movement.
The Mississippi State Capitol has played an essential part in the state’s history. In 1963, the Jackson driveway of civil rights icon Medgar Evers was the scene of his assassination. Evers worked to register African American voters in Mississippi and were an outspoken opponent of segregation. His assassination provoked considerable indignation and demonstrations, and his funeral was held in the Rotunda of the Capitol building.
Moreover, the Capitol has been the site of considerable legislative activity. Governor Ray Mabus of Mississippi officially removed the Confederate battle flag from the state flag in 1987. The law was signed in the Capitol building’s rotunda, in the presence of civil rights activists and legislators.
The Mississippi State Capitol is open to the public and offers guided tours. Visitors can explore the building’s enormous spaces, learn about Mississippi’s government and history, and admire the building’s art and architecture. In addition to being a popular venue for weddings, conferences, and receptions, the Capitol building is also a popular location for events.
The Mississippi State Capitol has undergone extensive restorations and improvements in recent years to secure its survival and retain its historical significance. The improvements included roof, dome, and exterior repairs, as well as updates to the building’s mechanical systems and technologies.
The Mississippi State Capitol is a stunning example of neoclassical architecture and a significant representation of Mississippi’s history and governance. The building’s enormous rooms, magnificent artwork, and extensive history make it a must-see for Jackson, Mississippi tourists. The Capitol building acts as a reflection of Mississippi’s past challenges and lasting resiliency.