The Vermont Capitol building, built in Doric style of Barre granite, is one of the nation's oldest and best preserved state capitols. The building commands the landscape of the smallest capital city in America - Montpelier. The Senate and House chambers are the oldest legislative chambers in their original condition anywhere in the country.
The capitol building is surmounted by a gold dome and statue of Agriculture. The dome is 57 feet high and is made of wood sheathed in copper and covered with 23.7 carat gold leaf, as pure as can be obtained.
The original statue of Agriculture atop the dome was created by Brattleboro sculptor Larkin Mead. The only remaining portion of the earlier Greek Revival statehouse of the 1830s is the front portico, upon which stands a statue of Ethan Allen.
Free guided tours are available on the half-hour July through mid-October. Group and school tours must be prearranged. The gift shop is open June through mid-October.