Facts About the Capitol Dome & Symbols

The building that houses the highest levels of West Virginia government reaches lofty heights.

Our state Capitol's dome is five feet higher than that of the U.S. Capitol. Architect Cass Gilbert's original plans had called for gilding the dome’s ribs, tower, lantern, staff and eagle with gold leaf and applying blue paint to the flat panels between the ribs. However, the entire Capitol dome was gilded in gold. The initial results were not up to his standards. Gilbert’s original plans finally were carried out in all their beauty with the restoration completed in 2005.

Some of the symbols Gilbert used on the Capitol dome include Medusa, a figure from mythology, and draped flags with a total of 48 stars — presumably representing the 48 states of the union when the Capitol was completed in 1932.

The eagle located at the top of the state Capitol's dome sees it all now thanks to a little surgery. In 2005, Gov. Joe Manchin helped finish the eagle's restoration by inserting new red marble eyes crafted by Davis Marble Co. of Pennsboro.