Colorado State Capitol in Denver
Many people compare our State Capitol Building in Denver with the National Capitol in Washington, D.C., and that's a comparison we are proud of. The Capitol building, home of the Colorado legislature, was designed by Elijah e. Myers, and was constructed in the 1890's, from Colorado white granite. It is located in downtown Denver, on a hill slightly higher than the rest of the downtown area, and when the sun shines on the gold dome, comprised of a sheet of real gold, which was added in 1908.
The main entrance hall is 180 feet tall to the top of the dome, almost 18 stories tall. Additionally, the official elevation of Denver is measured outside the west entrance to the building, where the fifteenth step is engraved with the words "One Mile Above Sea Level." From this step, around dusk, a magnificent view of the sun setting behind the Rocky Mountains can be taken-in at 5,280 feet. A second mile high marker was set in the 18th step in 1969 when Colorado State Universisty students resurveyed the elevation. Finally, in 2003, an even more accurate measurement was made with modern means and the 13th step was identified as being one mile high where a 3rd marker was installed.
Free tours of the dome are available Monday through Friday, on the hour, from 9:00 until 2:00 p.m. Reservations are always recommended via e-mail or by calling (303) 866-3834. For contact information, visit www.state.co.us/gov.
200 E Colfax Ave
Denver, Colorado
