West Virginia State Capitol
Charleston, WV
A gold-domed capitol on the Kanawha River whose dome is taller than that of the US Capitol in Washington. Walk the grounds and step into the lobby, which is open to visitors on weekdays.
Cass Gilbert, who also designed the Woolworth Building and the U.S. Supreme Court Building, designed the West Virginia State Capitol in Charleston. It was built in three phases between 1924 and 1932; Governor William G. Conley dedicated it on June 20, 1932. The golden dome is 89 meters (293 feet) high, five feet taller than that of the U.S. Capitol, and covered in 23.5-karat gold leaf. The building is made of buff Indiana limestone, and two-thirds of the interior surfaces are covered in marble.
The building has 333 rooms on 50,000 square meters (535,000 square feet). Right next to it stands the Executive Mansion, completed in 1925 in the Georgian Revival style and overlooking the Kanawha River. Half an hour to an hour is enough for the grounds and the lobby. Check ahead whether the lobby is open on weekdays, and whether tours are offered.
- Nearest town
- Charleston, WV
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 38.3361, -81.6125
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, July–August and October. Cold, short days in January–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Kanawha State Forest CampgroundCampsite6 mi from West Virginia State Capitol · 46 pitchesTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToilets
- Ivy Branch ATV RestortCampsite15 mi from West Virginia State Capitol
- Tucker Creek CampgroundMotorhome stopover22 mi from West Virginia State CapitolMotorhomes
All campsites in West Virginia · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is West Virginia State Capitol?
West Virginia State Capitol is in Charleston, WV, at GPS 38.3361, -81.6125. It is about 34 mi from Fayetteville.
Can you camp near West Virginia State Capitol?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Kanawha State Forest Campground, about 6 mi away; within 25 mi there are 3 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near West Virginia State Capitol?
Places worth a stop nearby: Kanawha Falls (25 mi), Hawks Nest State Park (30 mi), New River Gorge Bridge (34 mi) and Thurmond Historic District (39 mi).
When is the best time to visit West Virginia State Capitol?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, July–August and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)