North Carolina State Capitol

The North Carolina State Capitol, completed in 1840, sits at the center of a landscaped square at the heart of downtown Raleigh and is one of the most intact examples of Greek Revival civic architecture in the country. The interior retains much of its original character: the twin legislative chambers on the upper floor, the original library, and the ornate rotunda are open to visitors during business hours at no charge.

The grounds around the Capitol are dotted with monuments and statues worth examining — including memorials to Confederate soldiers, civil rights figures, and the presidents North Carolina has contributed to the nation. The historic district surrounding the Capitol extends several blocks in every direction and includes notable churches, commercial buildings, and former government offices.

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When the Capitol was completed in 1840, it was considered the finest example of Greek Revival architecture in the American South. What makes it unusual is that it was never expanded — unlike most state capitols, which grew into sprawling complexes. Raleigh instead built separate buildings for the legislature and courts, leaving the original Capitol as a pristine example of the era. It still houses the offices of the Governor and Lieutenant Governor today.

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