Alaska

Don’t look for a dome and don’t look for big grounds; Alaska’s capitol building is one of the few that have neither. That’s because the territory of Alaska had trouble securing funding and land for the building, relying on local residents to provide funding. Completed in 1931, it housed the federal government until statehood in 1959. Today, the large, boxy building—and the location—aren’t popular with locals, but efforts to fund a new building and move the capital to Alaska’s interior have both failed. Start your tour outside; the four front columns were made with marble from near Ketchikan. Inside are two murals of living off the land and ocean in Alaska, which is still a way of life here—many politicians are career fishermen. The second floor houses the senators and representatives; the governor and lieutenant governor sit on the third floor.

Compact and Functional It’s one of the smallest state capitol buildings in the U.S. with no grand rotunda or sprawling grounds. It reflects Alaska’s practical and rugged culture.

Marble Columns The exterior has Tokeen marble columns—this marble is from Prince of Wales Island in southeast Alaska, showcasing local materials.

Relocation Debates There have been multiple efforts to relocate the capital from Juneau to cities like Anchorage or Wasilla for better access, but none have succeeded—partly because Juneau has no road access, making it unique.