Flash visit to Utah State Capitol building - staircase, flag and weapons
If you're a budget savvy traveller like me and Snowpea, visiting state Capitol buildings in America is a great thing to do. Not only are they free to visit, you also get to see some very nice architecture and understand more about America (if you're interested). On my visit to Utah, I visited the state capitol building in Salt Lake City.
We had driven 5 hours from Jackson Hole that morning, and when we arrived we running just on time for a scheduled guided tour that I had pre booked. We had to rush in and I didn't even have time to take a photo of the outside of the building. This was taken by my brother.
Honour Guards and staircase hoarding
My first impression of entering the building was the security measures, or rather the lack of it. I had a very interesting with the security guard about this, which I shall share at the end of this post, but let's take a tour around the state capitol building first.
On the day of my visit, there was an Honoring our Honour Guards annual event. They were there for most of the time I was visiting, occupying the Rotunda, the main hall in the building. It was very nice to see people appreciating those who fought for their own country and honouring those who never made it home. The event made a very nice backdrop for taking photos.
After the event finished lots of other visitors came out to take photos on the grand staircase on both ends of the building. On one end were a few girls in cosplay costumes, and on the other end was a couple taking wedding photos.
Both parties were hoarding the staircase forever, as if they owned it. I thought it was quite annoying because there were other visitors who wanted to take photos as well, plus it was getting very near to closing time. I had been loitering around by the wedding couple for 10 minutes but the photographer totally ignored me even when he wasn't taking any photos!! In the end, when the couple was standing on the stairs not doing anything when their photographer was setting up his kit, I asked if they could move aside so I could take this one shot which took me 30 seconds. Call me impolite but I could have just barged in and photobomed them, I don't think they would have liked that. Plus it's not like I'll be back soon, or ever, so it's now or never for my mandatory photo.
Stunning architecture
Thankfully the rest of the tour around the building was more pleasant. There are four floors and a lot of artwork and murals around the building. Sadly the artwork was wasted on me as I didn't know how to appreciate them. Other than that, the architecture was a feast to my eyes. Not that I know much about architecture either, but I was particularly impressed with the 165 ft high dome, and the walls and columns carved out from marble. And then there's the 1000 pound heavy Rotunda chandelier, so massive that it can clearly be seen at all levels. I wasn't expecting such grandeur from a state building, it pretty much blew me away. Snowpea and I were only passing through Salt Lake City for less than 24 hours, and we're very glad that we manage to fit this visit into our schedule.
Working offices
The state capitol building is where the Senate and the House meets. As I understand it, the senators serve the people, each of them representing one of the 29 districts in Utah. The House, on the other hand is responsible for making the laws for the state. This system is quite similar to the devolved governments we have in UK, eg Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland all have their own parliament and can make some local laws. Travelling is great when you can learn so much about other countries, and understand how similar or different they are from back home.
State Seal and 45 star American flag
This Utah state capitol building was completed in 1916, and as part of the centenary celebrations in 2016,the Utah State Seal was installed in the Hall of Governers on the first floor of the building. The year 1896 is of particular significance to Utah.
In the 'old days' every time a state joined the union, America would have a new flag. This is the 45 star flag from 1896 when Utah was the 45th state to join the United States of America. This particular flag is believed to be the first ever 45 star flag to fly. And yes, I counted, it does have 45 stars 😀. It was later replaced by the 46 star flag when Oklahoma joined the Union in 1908. It's fair to say this particular flag has it's place in history, particularly for Utah, and it's very fitting for it to have it's home at the state Capitol building.
State Capitol Building security
Remember at the beginning of the post I mentioned I had a chat with the security guard about the lack of security in the building?
Considering this is the state Capitol building, a government building where officials work and make important decisions, I was surprised that anybody could walk straight in, no searches and no questions asked. (By the way, you can walk in for a self guided tour anytime, no need to pre book.) There was an unmanned information desk, and one security guy sitting on one side of the building entrance who ended up being the information point for visitors. I had a chat with him, which given the recent event with Trump, becomes more interesting now.
"Why is there no security here?" I asked
"What sort of security were you expecting?" he asked me back
"Airport like security, bag searches?" I responded.
His answer is probably what non-Americans, especially us Brits find it rather difficult to apprehend. He said it is the given right of people of Utah to walk around with a weapon and not be challenged. And he said as a security officer, he carries his weapon even when off duty as part of his community duties at home. The guy didn't sound like one of those pro gun lunatics, in fact he was very friendly, and I sensed that if you live in a 'gun friendly' state and work in law enforcement, then you probably have a more tolerant and responsibility towards carrying and the use of a weapon. He then went on to tell me what else you can or can't take into them building. For example, you can't take a balloon in, nor a piece of stick , and even he knows that it sounds bizzare, in comparison to weapons.
Anyway, it was a very nice healthy chat, and it's always good to understand how the locals see things. I'm sure if this chat were to take place in another country, or even another state in America it would have taken another stance.
During my America trip in I went to another state Capitol building a week later. Architecture wise it was beautiful as well. I won't tell you which state it is yet but I'll give you a sneak preview until I make the post.
What an impressive building, great architecture and details.
Hahaha staircase hoarding, yep I know those moments when some people just take over and stay. Not being considered of other people around them.
It is very interesting to hear his reply and thought on things.
Have a great day 👋🏻😊
I was very surprised that an official building is so glam, the Americans certainly go all out!
Have a great weekend Jackie
They do!
Thanks Pauline 😁 I start driving to the UK tomorrow, 5 days of driving 🚗 and 2 ferries ⛴️
Will be fun.
We need to bring back the car to Ireland to sell.
Have a fantastic weekend too!
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Yes, @livinguktaiwan, the architecture of that building is remarkable. And, as you say, that would be the case for most any other state capital building as well. My mother, upon retiring, was proud of touring the mainland portion of America for two years and visiting all 48 of them ...
Less well known / understood, is how much the same idea applies to the County buildings in much of the United States. In my family history efforts (being a "mutt" American, in searching for clues about our "immigrant ancestors" ... 😉) over the years, I have been in a number of them. They can be in comparatively isolated corners of our great country and I have been awed more than once by what it must have taken in "time and treasure" to build them. Some of them are truly "masterpieces" ...
Oh yes ... Security in them would probably also make you cringe ... As a freedom-loving American, I have always been fine with it, as I had far too much experience (as one contrasting example ...) traveling by air and having to take my shoes off every time to get on the plane due to the FAILED attempt by some deranged Brit to try to blow up exactly ONE plane exactly ONE time ... 😒🤷♂️
So there are gems to be found in the county buildings as well? I'm sure they must be well hidden as they're probably not so well known as the state Capitol ones.
Did your mother keep a journal of all her visits to buildings? She must have done loads of travel over those two years. Amazing!!
Until the conversation with the security guard, I never really thought about how freely one can walk around carrying their weapon. It's a bit scary in a way, but thankfully it's not like there are many lunatics walking around flashing their be weapon!!
Yes, they are architectural gems for certain. I cannot imagine, if you saw some of them, that you or anyone would disagree. I have always marveled at what it must have taken to build them generations ago, in such relatively remote locations.
One fascinating part of where you would find many of them is in what are called the "county seats," i.e. the little towns in which they are found were the economic (and anything else of significance) center for their local area. As such, you can still find these architectural marvels in the center of a "city square," i.e. surrounded by gardens and nice landscaping, with all the businesses and such then found facing that square in the 4 streets surrounding it.
Yes, my mother kept a very detailed journal. Her "travels with Grandma" is a family treasure, as a result. Let's say ... Her "road less traveled" view of America ... 🫡😉
Yes, I can somewhat imagine how that would be the case. Especially given the way this issue is typically represented in the press in far too many places. Sadly, these reports seldom miss the chance to portray this in a negative fashion. Never positive ... You rarely hear how these people are very responsible and are actually a part of the societal fabric preserving our safety here "in land of the free and the the home of the brave."
As part of this negative reporting, I cannot remember literally in my lifetime ever hearing about why America even has a Second Amendment. The endless arguments are almost always focused (intentionally?) in such a way that you will never hear it?
Hear what?
The Second Amendment was intended to preserve the right of the American people to protect themselves against any future tyrannical governments, having just emerged victorious over exactly this ... The idea being, as much as they could responsibly manage it, to ensure it would never happen again ...
A conversation I had with two Australians seated across from me in our train ride down into London many years ago comes to mind. Beginning with them saying ...
... and ending with them being educated (they freely acknowledged this, at the end of it ...) about what they had never heard before and our common agreement about what the outcome might have been in the (at that time, quite recent) massacre in Tiananmen square had the Chinese people had a similar constitutionally protected right ...
That's hilarious the cosplay people in the capitol building. This looks like a really cool place. I have only been in the Michigan capitol building. We drove past or near quite a few on our recent trip. We should have taken the time to stop and visit them. I did get some shots of the Kansas state house that I will be sharing a future post.
Look forward to the places you've been, I hear some of the state buildings are beautiful as well
Nice building, bigger than in Richmond, Virginia
I never been to Virginia before, it'll be nice to see more of America, such a vast country
impressive size and architecture. I wonder if the state capitol building here is free to visit too. After seeing your photos, I become curious about the inside of the state building.
!LADY
I'm sure the state buildings in the Philippines will have a very different style, probably more Spanish influenced?
Probably,. Not sure if they are open for public viewing, though .
Wonderful looking building. I have never been to Utah, so you have been to a part of the country I have never been. It is no surprise to me that you encountered some rude people there, you will find them all over these days. However, there are still many great people too.
I think it's more inconsiderate rather rude, but you're right, there's definitely a lot of good people around, and certainly most people I met during my trip to America were amazing and friendly, particularly the National Park rangers.
Oh, I love the Park Rangers when we go to parks. They are always so helpful and full of knowledge.
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I've not been in any capitols, but I have seen the Washington one close up. They seem to have a fairly standard design for a lot of them. It is odd about the security and the whole thing of people carrying guns feels wrong, but they are used to it. I've not noticed guns in the places I've been in the US, but I know the rules vary.
I think the Washington one is the most famous for obvious reasons, and I imagine their security there won't be so lax.
To be fair, I hadn't noticed anyone walking around with guns, not that I was analysing people all the time. As long as people are responsible and respect their given rights, that's the most important thing.
The United States Capitol is a beauty. For me, it is one of the most significant architectural works of humanity. Another aspect is its importance for Western democracy. Also, the planning of Washington DC is a work of art.
One of my wishes is to be able to travel and visit the Lincoln Memorial. The debate on the issue of bearing arms is very interesting, and it is also something that is part of the constitutional amendments in that country. It is something that, as far as I understand it, cannot be changed at the constitutional level, but it can be limited at the legal level. It's a very controversial and polarized issue, but I think the healthy thing to do is to discuss it openly.
I think people should carry guns freely, if they want to. It allows the state not to act disproportionately against individuals and guarantees the right to legitimate self-defense, whether it be of personal liberty or property. The problem is disproportionality. Especially given the violence that is currently taking place in that country.
I was in Utah, not Washington so can't comment on the state building there.
Gun discussion has always been and always will be a controversial topic, I just feel sorry for those caught up in the cross fire or those who lost their life because some lunatic went off the rails
It has 48 stars. 45 off and 3 shining. 😁 (I counted, too)
The conversation with the guard was interesting. I didn't know that Utah is one of the states that has passed the most proposals and laws regarding firearms.
You were in a very, very... Mormon city, btw.
Mormon! Yes they're very famous in Utah as well. I was hoping to see the Temple Square and all the beautiful buildings, sadly they were renovating ☹️
A different look, indeed. You have to come back to complete that tour.
Hey, you didn't tell me about the stars... hahaha... look at your photo that has three lights there.
Thanks to you and Snowpea, for taking us to that place and telling us those details. I would never have guessed that a place like that could be entered in such a way.
Oh, and photographers are so annoying sometimes hahaha. I think you waited too long to ask them nicely to get out of the way.
Haha? Photographers? They're weird people sometimes 😀😜
Now this is interesting! We are all so used and fascinated by the rock formations in Utah that we almost forget it's a lot more than that. And I'm so happy to take note on that thanks to you! The building is fascinating :)
It was very nice to visit Salt Lake City albeit being a short visit. It's a very modern city in downtown and a nice change from the mountains and endless vast parks and nature that bwe had travelled through in the previous week or so. It felt like going back to civilization 😀
One of the incredible place and buildings I've ever seen. All of its designs and sculptures are kind of unique. 😊
It's a lovely place I was very fortunate to see it
Impressive!
Absolutely
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What a luxurious and stunning architecture. Such a spacious interior with art and that staircase is amazing. You are really lucky...I have never been to such a remarkable building especially inside...
As an architect, I'm sure you would be have loved it
Yes, I would have loved it...
I am over-the-top impressed with the grand architecture of the building. Everything about it is spectacular and I am so glad I saw your post. Happy travels.
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