Charleston, WV

Charleston is the capital city of West Virginia, located in the Southeast region of the United States. Founded in 1794, the city has grown to a population of approximately 48,006 residents within a state of 1,793,716 people. As both the largest city and capital of West Virginia, Charleston serves as the political, administrative, and economic center of the state.

The city is home to the West Virginia State Capitol, a Renaissance Revival / Neoclassical structure that has been a landmark since its completion in 1932. Designed by Cass Gilbert, the capitol building stands as a testament to the state's history and governance, attracting visitors from across the country and around the world.

Charleston has served as the capital of West Virginia since 1885. Before Charleston, the state's capital was located in Wheeling.

The West Virginia State Capitol in Charleston was designed by renowned architect Cass Gilbert, who also designed the Minnesota State Capitol and the U.S. Supreme Court. The building's gilded dome rises 293 feet, making it five feet taller than the U.S. Capitol dome, and is one of the most impressive features of the Charleston skyline along the Kanawha River. The interior features a two-ton crystal chandelier imported from Czechoslovakia.

Notable Features

• Gilded dome rises 293 feet, taller than the U.S. Capitol dome
• Designed by Cass Gilbert
• Two-ton crystal chandelier from Czechoslovakia
• Italian travertine marble exterior
• Situated along the Kanawha River
• Governor's mansion on the capitol grounds