Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Rhode Island State House

The Rhode Island State House is the capitol building and seat of government for the U.S. state of , situated at 82 Smith Street in on Smith Hill. Designed by the architectural firm , it was constructed between 1895 and 1904 using white marble in a neoclassical style inspired by the , consolidating dispersed state functions into a single monumental structure. The building's defining feature is its central dome, the fourth-largest self-supporting marble dome in the world, spanning 1.6 acres internally and rising 287 feet, which was among the first in a major public edifice to incorporate electric lighting throughout. Atop the dome perches the Independent Man, a 14-foot gilded erected in 1899 representing and symbolizing the state's commitment to independence and religious liberty. The structure houses the bicameral , the governor's offices, and key state agencies, while its interiors include ornate chambers, a , and historical artifacts such as a cannon from the . Renowned for its architectural grandeur relative to Rhode Island's small size, the State House exemplifies Beaux-Arts principles and has undergone restorations to preserve its marble facade and dome integrity, reflecting ongoing efforts to maintain this landmark amid urban development pressures.

Historical Development

Planning and Design Competition (1890-1892)

In January 1890, the Rhode Island General Assembly created the State House Commission to address longstanding deficiencies in the state's legislative and administrative facilities, which had been highlighted since the 1870s due to inadequate fireproof storage, dispersed offices, and poor accessibility to downtown Providence and rail lines. The commission, comprising prominent state figures and presided over by former Governor Herbert W. Ladd, held its first meeting in May 1890 and focused initially on site selection, ultimately designating Smith Hill in Providence for the new capitol. To solicit designs, the launched a preliminary local competition in November 1890, restricted to architects, with submissions due by March 1, 1891. Entrants were required to provide plans for a fireproof structure accommodating specific spaces, such as a chamber of at least 300 square feet and chamber of similar scale, while adhering to a cap of $1 million; classical architectural styles were encouraged to evoke grandeur and permanence. A.C. Morse evaluated the entries and selected three top local designs to inform the broader process. Recognizing the need for national expertise, the commission announced a limited national competition on August 10, 1891, inviting seven leading firms from across the United States, with a submission deadline of January 14, 1892. Requirements mirrored the local phase, emphasizing practicality, cost efficiency, and the Smith Hill site, with designs to include floor plans, elevations, cross-sections, and descriptive specifications. Six firms submitted entries, including notable proposals from George C. Mason & Son and J.C. Cady & Co., which incorporated Richardsonian Romanesque elements alongside emerging neoclassical motifs. The entries underwent rigorous review by a jury of experts—Richard Morris Hunt, A.D.F. Hamlin, and A.C. Morse—who deliberated over several days in early 1892, prioritizing designs that balanced monumental with functional . On February 10, 1892, the panel recommended the submission from of as the winner, praising its harmonious classical proportions, structural innovation, and adaptability to the site's . The ratified this choice, awarding the firm the despite subsequent grumblings from competitors and historical analyses noting potential from Ladd's and Hunt's prior collaborations with McKim on projects like the , though no concrete evidence of rigging has surfaced.

Construction Phase (1895-1904)

Construction of the Rhode Island State House commenced with groundbreaking on September 16, 1895, on a site atop Smith Hill in , following the acquisition of initial land parcels that year. The project, overseen by the State House Commission, utilized the neoclassical design by , with Norcross Brothers serving as the primary contractors responsible for much of the stonework. Rhode Island's status as the wealthiest state per capita in the United States at the time facilitated funding through bonds and appropriations, reflecting the era's industrial prosperity. The building's exterior featured extensive use of white Georgia , quarried and milled under Norcross Brothers' operations, marking one of the earliest large-scale applications of such material in a public edifice. Progress included the erection of foundational structures and wings by the late , with the massive central dome—constructed as a self-supporting structure—reaching significant height by 1898, as evidenced by contemporaneous photographs showing wooden around the emerging form. Interior work paralleled exterior advancements, incorporating brick masonry for load-bearing elements and for reinforcement, though specific workforce details remain sparse in records. Initial estimates pegged costs at approximately $1.5 million in 1894, but the final expenditure exceeded $3 million upon dedication in 1904, attributable to the structure's ambitious scale and material demands rather than documented delays or disputes. The nine-year timeline from groundbreaking to completion underscored the engineering feats required for the dome, the fourth-largest structural stone dome globally, without reliance on internal supports. This phase consolidated state government functions in Providence, supplanting prior dispersed facilities.

Initial Operations and Early Challenges

The Rhode Island General Assembly relocated to the new State House and convened its first session there in January 1901, utilizing the partially completed wings while construction on the dome and other elements continued. This transition aligned with a 1900 constitutional amendment that established annual sessions commencing on the first Tuesday in January in Providence, replacing prior biennial meetings alternating between Providence and Newport. The move centralized legislative proceedings, with the House of Representatives and Senate occupying their dedicated chambers equipped with oak desks and ceremonial tapestries. Administrative offices, including the governor's suite, also began operations in the building, consolidating scattered state functions that had previously operated from multiple sites across Providence and Newport. This unification enhanced governmental efficiency but required logistical adjustments for staff and records transfer amid ongoing site work. The structure's scale—encompassing over 327,000 cubic feet of white marble—demanded immediate coordination for basic utilities like heating the expansive rotunda and corridors during winter sessions. Formal dedication ceremonies occurred on December 24, 1904, marking the end of nine years of at a exceeding $3 million, a figure that reflected Rhode Island's wealth as the nation's richest state at the time but strained finances amid debates over extravagance. Early operational hurdles stemmed from the building's unfinished state during initial occupancy, including dust and noise from final installations disrupting proceedings, as well as the nascent challenges of preserving the porous facade against Providence's harsh , which foreshadowed long-term upkeep demands. These factors, combined with the need to furnish vast interiors without exceeding budgets, tested state resources in the building's formative years.

Architectural Features

Exterior and Site Design

The Rhode Island State House occupies an elevated site on Smith Hill in , a topographical high point historically used for public gatherings, rallies, and training adjacent to a natural salt cove. This prominent location enhances the building's monumentality, with grounds designed by the firm Manning Brothers and completed in 1904 to frame the structure against the city's skyline. Designed in the neoclassical style by the architectural firm , the exterior features a white facade quarried from , emphasizing symmetry and classical proportions. The central block rises to support a massive dome clad in the same , flanked by compact wings housing the legislative chambers, with uniform window placements that articulate the interior functions subtly on the exterior. North and south vestibules adopt trapezoidal plans, widening toward entrances to direct visitors to the central rotunda. The facade's severity, attributed to the influence of Henry Bacon as a principal design assistant, employs minimal ornamentation beyond colonnades at porticos and restrained string courses, prioritizing structural clarity over decorative excess. Constructed from 1895 to 1904, the exterior's sheathing—totaling significant volume across the building—resists while projecting permanence, though it required later restorations to address deterioration from environmental exposure.

The Dome and Structural Engineering

The dome of the Rhode Island State House rises 235 feet above the foundation level and forms the centerpiece of the neoclassical design by McKim, Mead & White. Constructed between 1895 and 1904, it employs self-supporting dynamic voussoir masonry, enabling a vast open rotunda beneath without internal columns or supports. This engineering approach leverages the compressive strength inherent in arched stone construction, where wedge-shaped voussoirs interlock to transfer loads radially to the drum base. Sheathed in white quarried for durability and aesthetic uniformity, the dome exemplifies early 20th-century advancements in stone engineering, utilizing 327,000 cubic feet of across the structure, with the dome contributing significantly to this volume. The exterior over a core provides both visual grandeur and structural integrity, resisting tensile stresses through mass and geometry rather than reinforcement. This method, rooted in classical and precedents like those at , was adapted here on a scale that positions the dome as the fourth-largest self-supporting dome globally. The structural innovation addressed site-specific challenges, including Providence's soil conditions and the need for a monumental presence atop Smith Hill. Engineers within the firm ensured stability by thickening the dome walls at the base—reaching up to 15 feet in some accounts—and incorporating a atop for light diffusion into the interior. This design not only symbolizes Rhode Island's prosperity during construction but also demonstrates causal efficacy of and form in achieving load-bearing capacity without modern .

Interior Layout and Materials

The interior of the Rhode Island State House revolves around a central rotunda located directly beneath the dome, serving as the primary vertical circulation space with a grand principal staircase connecting the entrance level to the second-floor public areas. This rotunda provides axial views into the legislative chambers in the east and west wings, the State Library to the north, and the Governor's Reception Room to the south. The design emphasizes symmetry and neoclassical grandeur, facilitating public access and ceremonial functions while separating legislative and administrative spaces. The chamber occupies the larger west wing, featuring colonnaded walls adorned with Baumgarten tapestries on the north and south sides, while the more intimate, semicircular chamber lies in the east wing. Ancillary spaces include executive offices for the , , , and General Treasurer, alongside the State Reception Room and housing the 1663 . Hallways are lined with portraits of past governors and legislators, enhancing the historical ambiance. Materials throughout the interior incorporate white marble for structural and decorative elements, particularly in the self-supporting dome visible from the rotunda, complemented by preserved original woodwork, gilding, and tapestries. The State Library features dark wood paneling and a coved ceiling embellished with gilded book-publisher monograms, evoking Neo-Renaissance style in tan and gold tones. The Governor's Room displays similar elaborate finishes, including a mantel designed to showcase Gilbert Stuart's portrait of , with interior paint colors, lighting fixtures, and select furniture retaining their original 1904 character. Legislative chambers maintain a severe neoclassical restraint in contrast to the ornate ancillary rooms. The use of durable, high-quality materials like marble ensures longevity, with the interior's opulent details reflecting the building's construction era of industrial prosperity from 1895 to 1904.

Symbolic Elements

The Independent Man Statue

The Independent Man is a gilded bronze statue standing atop the Rhode Island State House dome in , symbolizing the state's independent spirit. The 11-foot-tall figure, weighing approximately 1,400 pounds, is positioned 278 feet above ground level. Cast in bronze by the Gorham Foundry in , it was originally titled "Hope" by sculptor George E. Brewster before being installed on December 18, 1899. Commissioned as part of the State House construction, the replaced an initial proposal for a monument, reflecting a preference for a generic emblem of over a specific historical figure. The figure depicts a colonial-era man clad in boots, holding a in one hand and a flagstaff in the other, embodying the resolve of Rhode Island's founders, particularly ' advocacy for religious liberty and separation from authority. The nickname "Independent Man" originated from a Journal article, which popularized it over the sculptor's intended name. The statue has endured significant environmental stress, including being struck by lightning at least 27 times since installation. Initially covered in gold leaf, it underwent electroplating in the 1970s to combat corrosion from weather exposure. In October 2023, the statue was lowered using a 250-ton crane for comprehensive restoration, costing around $2 million, involving cleaning, corrosion repair, and re-gilding via electroplating and gold leaf application. Following conservation, it was displayed indoors at the State House for public viewing from December 2023 until its reinstallation atop the dome in April 2024. This work, performed by conservators including Mark Rabinowitz, aimed to preserve the statue's integrity against ongoing elemental damage.

Other Iconography and Artifacts

A prominent exterior artifact is the statue of Major General , a key figure in the and native, positioned on the rear of the State House. Crafted by sculptor Henri Schönhardt, the bronze statue was dedicated on April 4, 1931, depicting Greene in military attire to honor his contributions to the Continental Army. Inside the State House, the original of 1663, granted by II, is preserved and displayed in the Charter Museum on the first floor in Room 143. This document established as a with unique religious freedoms and provisions, serving as a foundational legal artifact; the dedicated room was created during the 350th anniversary commemorations in 2013. The Gun, a 12-pounder cannon from Battery B of the 1st Light Artillery, stands in the foyer as a relic. Captured in action at the on July 2, 1863, when a Confederate shell struck it directly—killing or wounding the crew yet allowing it to fire one final round before being disabled—the gun symbolizes Rhode Island's military sacrifice and was relocated to the State House for public display. Additional interior iconography includes historic murals, such as the 1947 work in the State House designed by James Allen King and executed by artists George DeFelice, Victor Zucchi, and Robert J. Haun, depicting themes. Portraits of notable figures, including a rendering of by a Revolutionary-era artist, adorn chambers and corridors, contributing to the building's commemorative atmosphere.

Governmental Role

Legislative Chambers and Functions

The Rhode Island State House features two legislative chambers for the bicameral : the chamber in the west wing and the chamber in the east wing. These spaces host regular sessions where members introduce, debate, and vote on bills to enact state laws and form . Proceedings in both chambers are televised via the Rhode Island Statewide Interconnect System. The House chamber seats 75 representatives, reflecting the body's composition since its establishment under the state constitution. Equipped with individual desks arranged in a semi-circular pattern facing the 's rostrum, it includes public galleries for citizen observation. The of the House presides over debates, ensuring adherence to chamber rules. The Senate chamber, measuring 56 feet wide, 44 feet long, and 46 feet high, accommodates 38 senators with dark furniture. Like the House, it features galleries and is presided over by the Senate President, who manages legislative proceedings. Both chambers convene annually, typically from early to late June, for the formal . Committee meetings occur in adjacent rooms, but floor sessions in these chambers determine bill passage through majority votes, with final approval required from both bodies before gubernatorial consideration.

Administrative and Ceremonial Uses

The Rhode Island State House serves as the primary venue for key administrative functions of the , housing the offices of the , , , and general . These offices, including the governor's suite in 109 at 82 Smith Street, handle daily governance tasks such as policy development, constituent services, and decision-making. The building also accommodates the Rhode Island General Assembly's legislative operations, with the and chambers facilitating bill passage, hearings, and sessions that convene annually from to . Support functions, including budget preparation and purchasing oversight by the Joint on Legislative Services, are managed on-site to sustain legislative activities. Ceremonial uses of the State House emphasize its role as a symbolic center for state traditions and public events. Inaugurations of governors and legislative leaders occur in the rotunda or chambers, underscoring the building's prominence in official transitions. It hosts diverse commemorative gatherings, such as the annual WaterFire Salute to Veterans opening ceremony, U.S. Army birthday observances on June 13, 2025, and Wreaths Across America wreath-laying events. Cultural and awareness initiatives, including Diwali celebrations on October 17, 2025, Day of Portugal receptions on June 6, 2025, and dome lightings for causes like dyslexia awareness from October 18–24, 2025, draw public participation. Additional ceremonies encompass memorial vigils, award presentations by groups like the Rhode Island Dermatology Society, and seasonal events such as holiday food drives and "Spooky State House" on October 23. These activities, often broadcast via Capitol TV, promote while adhering to security protocols at the Smith Street entrance.

Preservation Efforts

Early 20th-Century Maintenance

Following the dedication of the Rhode Island State House on October 29, 1904, and the completion of final interior detailing and exterior by 1906, the building entered a phase of routine upkeep with no documented major structural interventions or alterations through the . Constructed primarily from durable white marble—totaling 327,000 cubic feet—and brick, the edifice demonstrated initial resilience to environmental stresses, including 's humid , requiring primarily periodic of the facade and inspections of the self-supporting dome to address minor or settling. Historical records indicate the structure retained its original dimensions and aesthetic integrity without expansion, demolition, or substantive modifications during this era, reflecting the engineering soundness of McKim, Mead & White's neoclassical design. State oversight of maintenance fell under legislative committees, with appropriations for custodial services and basic preservation embedded in annual budgets, though specific expenditures for the period remain sparsely detailed in public accounts. The absence of reported crises, such as dome cracking or foundation shifts—issues that plagued some contemporaneous stone-domed capitols—underscores the relative stability of the example in its formative decades, attributable to the dome's innovative ribbed construction distributing loads effectively across the marble shell. By the late 1920s, as the building aged into its third decade, attention shifted toward incremental enhancements like electrical upgrades, but core fabric preservation emphasized conservation over renovation.

Modern Restorations and Challenges (Post-2000)

In 2016, the within the State House dome underwent to address that caused peeling paint in areas such as the sky, clouds, and figures depicting a man, woman, and child, along with damaged gilded molding. Artists Charles C. Clear III and Richard Pawlak, working from erected 164 feet high, removed loose paint, primed surfaces, repainted to match the original muted tones, and repaired gold elements including medallions and panels. Exterior maintenance efforts intensified in the 2020s amid visible deterioration. On February 28, 2022, a large chunk fell from a near the Smith Street entrance due to water infiltration and freeze-thaw cycles, necessitating immediate and inspections that revealed no immediate similar risks elsewhere but highlighted broader vulnerabilities from prior improper methods. This incident prompted Dan to propose a $54 million renovation plan over six years, encompassing HVAC system replacement to halt interior damage, legislative office upgrades, and roof repairs, with partial funding drawn from a $618 million state budget surplus. Complementing this, a $2.25 million exterior project ran from June 2023 to March 2024 to restore the building's appearance as part of ongoing capitol updates. A major preservation initiative focused on the dome and its crowning Independent Man statue, removed on September 15, 2023—the first such lowering since 1975—to repair the weathered platform supporting its 500-pound bronze form. The $510,000 project, spanning January 2023 to December 2024, involved thorough statue cleaning, electroplating corroded areas, and applying 23.75-carat gilding, while also addressing preservation needs identified during prior assessments. The statue was reinstalled on December 18, 2024. Challenges persist from the structure's 120-year age and environmental exposure, including recurrent water-related degradation and the tension between preserving neoclassical features—like the self-supporting stone dome—and modernizing systems such as HVAC to prevent further interior harm. State funding dependencies, often tied to budget surpluses, underscore difficulties in sustaining comprehensive upkeep without deferring critical work, as evidenced by the episodic response to incidents like falling .

Public and Cultural Impact

Events, Exhibits, and Accessibility

The State House hosts free docent-led guided tours on weekdays at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. for walk-in groups of fewer than ten, with larger groups requiring reservations at least one week in advance via an online form. Self-guided tours operate Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., featuring QR codes for audio narratives in English and at key locations, alongside printed brochures available at the and State Library. Seasonal extensions, such as Saturday tours on May 4 for Independence Day, include multiple guided sessions from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and self-guided options until 2 p.m., often paired with special displays like the Independent Man statue relocated to the lobby and restoration demonstrations. Public exhibits in dedicated spaces like the Charter Room feature temporary installations, including the pop-up "Rhode Island's Revolutionary Communities" showcasing historical documents tied to the state's 1776 Act of Renunciation, displayed during Independence Day events. Additional exhibits have highlighted cultural contributions, such as the "Somos Rhode Island" installation by the Rhode Island Latino Arts organization, emphasizing local heritage through artifacts and narratives. Annual events extend to themed gatherings, like Arts Day tabling in the rotunda for artist showcases and civic education programs coordinated by state agencies. Accessibility provisions include designated handicapped parking in the east-side lot and a staff entrance for those unable to navigate stairs, with elevators accessible on every floor. Complimentary wheelchairs are available from Capitol Police upon request, and tours are fully wheelchair accessible, supported by broader site features like broader entryways where applicable. Sign-language interpretation for tours requires at least five days' advance notice via the tour coordinator. The building operates without smoking, open food, or drinks to maintain preservation standards during visits.

Representation in Media and Symbolism

The Rhode Island State House symbolizes the state's historical emphasis on independence, religious liberty, and self-governance, with its and prominent dome reflecting the wealth and aspirations of at the turn of the , when it ranked as the wealthiest state in the United States. The structure's fourth-largest self-supporting stone dome in the world underscores its architectural ambition and permanence as a civic . Atop the dome stands the Independent Man statue, a 14-foot, 1,200-pound gilded figure installed in , depicting a nude male clad in a lion's skin, holding a in his right hand and resting his left on an —the emblem since 1647—symbolizing , , and the pioneering spirit that drove Rhode Island's innovations in and industrial development. The statue embodies the of the self-reliant individual who propelled the 's early leadership in separating church and and fostering economic progress, rather than a specific historical figure like . In media, the State House has featured in local broadcasts and documentaries highlighting Rhode Island's history and government, such as the 1963 WJAR-TV special "Tour of Our State House," which marked the station's first color telecast and provided an early visual record of the building's interior. It serves as a frequent backdrop in regional news coverage of political events and state ceremonies, reinforcing its role as an iconic emblem of Providence and Rhode Island governance, though it has not been a primary setting in major national films or television series. The Independent Man statue, in particular, appears in state promotional materials and public discourse as a shorthand for Rhode Island's independent ethos.

Criticisms and Debates

Construction and Cost Overruns

The Rhode Island State House construction commenced in 1895 under the design of the architectural firm McKim, Mead & White, selected following a competitive process initiated in 1890 that involved both local and national architects. The project utilized 327,000 cubic feet of white Georgia marble for the exterior, 15 million bricks, and 1,309 short tons of iron, reflecting the era's emphasis on durable, monumental neoclassical architecture. Work progressed over nine years, with the building first occupied in 1900 and fully completed in 1904, during which time the structure's central dome—the fourth-largest self-supporting stone dome globally—was erected without internal scaffolding, relying on innovative cantilever methods. Initial cost estimates in 1894 projected expenses at approximately $1.5 million, but the final outlay doubled to $3 million, funded primarily through state-issued construction bonds. This overrun stemmed from the ambitious scale, including the extensive quarrying and transportation from , labor-intensive bricklaying, and engineering challenges of the massive dome, which required precise load-bearing calculations to avoid structural failure. Delays from material sourcing and on-site fabrication further escalated expenses, as the project's prestige demanded high-quality execution amid economic fluctuations. The doubled budget drew scrutiny from fiscal conservatives in the , who argued it strained public finances without proportional benefits, though proponents highlighted the long-term symbolic value of a permanent befitting Rhode Island's . Despite the excess, no major scandals emerged, unlike contemporaneous capitol projects elsewhere marred by corruption.

Ongoing Maintenance and Funding Issues

The Rhode Island State House, completed in 1904, faces persistent maintenance challenges stemming from its aging structure, intricate dome, and historical materials, which are susceptible to , infiltration, and structural . In April 2022, a chunk of detached from the facade, highlighting vulnerabilities and prompting Governor to propose a $54 million renovation plan over six years, encompassing HVAC replacements, electrical upgrades, and comprehensive structural assessments to prevent further deterioration. Subsequent efforts have addressed exterior and symbolic elements, including a July 2023 marble cleaning initiative covering the entire facade to remove grime and pollutants accumulated over 125 years, funded through state managed by of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM). In September 2023, the iconic Independent Man statue was removed from the dome's for , alongside repairs to the itself, with the statue reinstalled in 2024 after conservation work costing part of a $2.25 million State House Project that ran from June 2023 to March 2024. These interventions underscore the recurring costs of preserving self-supporting stone elements, the fourth-largest of their kind globally. Funding for these projects draws from Rhode Island's capital budget, often via bond issuances and legislative appropriations, but the building's demands compete with statewide deferred maintenance backlogs estimated in the billions across public assets, straining resources amid fiscal pressures like economic slowdowns and competing needs. A 2025 solicitation for phased window restorations further illustrates ongoing requirements, with and costs projected to extend into future fiscal years, emphasizing the need for sustained legislative commitment to avoid escalation of repair expenses. The Rhode Island State House Restoration Committee advocates for such priorities, coordinating preservation amid these budgetary realities.

References

  1. [1]
    Visitor Information - Rhode Island - Gregg M. Amore - sos.ri.gov
    The State House is located at 82 Smith Street. Access to the building is from the Smith Street side, which faces away from downtown Providence and the ...
  2. [2]
    State House - Rhode Island - Gregg M. Amore - sos.ri.gov
    Learn more about Tours. Docent-led, self-guided, and virtual tours are available. ; Using the State House. Learn more about running an event at the State House.
  3. [3]
    About the State House — Rhode Island State House Restoration ...
    The Rhode Island State House is the seat of state government, and a magnificent example of American Renaissance architecture.
  4. [4]
    About the Rhode Island State House
    When it was completed in 1904, the building enabled the consolidation of State government in a single central locale in Providence, after several centuries of ...
  5. [5]
    Rhode Island State House - Guide to Providence Architecture
    The format, of course, had been established in 1791 by William Thornton's United States Capitol and had been across the country: a central rotunda under the ...
  6. [6]
    Rhode Island State House
    Designed by the renowned architectural firm of McKim, Mead and White, noted for the Boston Public Library (1895) and renovations to the White House (1902), the ...
  7. [7]
    State of Rhode Island General Assembly
    Welcome to the Rhode Island General Assembly's website, a resource that connects you to the legislature. You may search for a bill, watch hearings/sessions, get ...House · House Committee Documents · House Fiscal Reports · Site Pages
  8. [8]
    Rhode Island State House | Providence, RI | WJE
    The structure boasts the fourth-largest self-supporting marble dome in the world. In preparation for the bicentennial in 1976, the marble was cleaned, which ...Missing: facts | Show results with:facts
  9. [9]
    [PDF] THE RHODE ISLAND STATE HOUSE: The Competition (1890-1892 ...
    competition was announced on August 10, 1891 and was closed on January 14, 1892. 30 "Competition Design for the Rhode Island. Statehouse,Providence, R.I.", ...
  10. [10]
    Rhode Island. State house commission. (1890-1935)
    In 1892, the firm of McKim, Mead and White of New York City was awarded the design commission and Norcross Brothers Contractors and Builders of Worcester, MA.
  11. [11]
    Rhode Island State House | SAH ARCHIPEDIA
    A key monument of the American Renaissance, the Rhode Island State House is the product of an elaborate—and probably “arranged”—competition. Its design came ...Missing: 1890-1892 | Show results with:1890-1892
  12. [12]
    H 8383 - State of Rhode Island General Assembly
    ... COMMISSION TO PREPARE FOR THE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION OF THE RHODE ISLAND STATE HOUSE ... WHEREAS, In 1890, the General Assembly created a commission to ...Missing: formation | Show results with:formation
  13. [13]
    Rhode Island State House drawings and blueprints, 1895
    Norcross Brother Construction. Blueprints on paper 32” x 53” [6 total] rolled. May 10, 1895; scale 1/8”= 1'. Condition good ...Missing: phase facts
  14. [14]
    [PDF] Norcross Brothers' Stone Yard and Mill - Farm Fresh Rhode Island
    Probably few of our citizens are aware of the fact that the marble used in the construction of the new State House, now nearing completion on Smith's Hill, ...
  15. [15]
    Construction of RI State House - ProvLibDigital
    Oct 3, 1999 · The dome on top of the state house is being constructed. Wooden framework surrounds the dome. "Norcross Bros" is painted on a wooden ...
  16. [16]
    $$1,000 R.I. State House Construction Bond | RICurrency.com
    Feb 15, 2021 · When the building was completed in 1904, the final cost was $3 million, or double its 1894 estimate. • For more on the Rhode Island State House, ...
  17. [17]
    The Rhode Island State House: A Capitol Challenge | IIBEC
    Mar 16, 2014 · The Rhode Island State House: A Capitol Challenge William D ... In 1890, the governor began the process of building a single monumental
  18. [18]
    Rhode Island PBS Weekly 10/13/2021 | Season 2 | Episode 41
    Oct 13, 2021 · ... Rhode Island State House. 10/13/2021. Problems playing video ... THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY MOVED IN IN JANUARY AND BEGAN THEIR FIRST SESSION ...
  19. [19]
    List of Rhode Island General Assemblies - Wikipedia
    "In November, 1900, the Constitution was amended in favor of one session of the General Assembly each year, to commence at Providence on the first Tuesday in ...
  20. [20]
    Sights ~ Rhode Island State House, Providence - I {heart} Rhody
    Mar 28, 2011 · It's decked in red with oak desks and tapestries commissioned for the 1904 dedication ceremony. House chamber. Facing the House chamber in the ...
  21. [21]
    5 Fun Facts About December 24 In Rhode Island History – TFD ...
    ... History. 5 ... The Rhode Island State House, located in Providence, was dedicated on December 24, 1904. ... issues of police brutality and racism in the ...Missing: early | Show results with:early
  22. [22]
    Rhode Island State House - The Cultural Landscape Foundation
    Nov 2, 2017 · Landscape architecture firm Manning Brothers of Boston designed the State House grounds, completed in 1904. Enhancing its monumentality, the ...Missing: exterior | Show results with:exterior
  23. [23]
    Rhode Island State House - David Smitherman
    Nov 7, 2023 · The Rhode Island State House was constructed from 1892 to 1904, in a Neoclassical architectural style by Charles McKim of McKim Meade and White.
  24. [24]
    [PDF] Rhode Isl axd State House Provide'nce Rhode Island, 02903 44 ...
    The Rhode Island State House, located at 90 Smith Street, Providence, is a large building with a central dome, built with white Georgia marble, and is 333 feet ...Missing: facts | Show results with:facts
  25. [25]
    Rhode Island State House dome architecture - Facebook
    Apr 2, 2023 · The structure underwent a major renovation in the late 1990s. The Rhode Island State House is constructed of 327,000 cubic feet (9,300 m3) of ...Rhode Island State House Architecture and Local Issues - FacebookRhode Island State House Providence, RI USA #providenceriMore results from www.facebook.comMissing: facts | Show results with:facts
  26. [26]
    Fun facts & trivia - RI.gov: Rhode Island Government
    Standing 11 feet tall and 278 feet above ground the Independent Man is a gold-covered, bronze statue placed atop the State House on December 18, 1899. A ...
  27. [27]
    RI's Independent Man: 8 things to know about the State House statue
    Oct 31, 2023 · Since the cracks were discovered in September, engineers have been studying how best to repair the statue, and when. Here are some facts about ...<|separator|>
  28. [28]
    Conservation Restoration of Independent Man Statue RI State House
    The 14 1/2 ft tall bronze, cast by the Gorham Foundry in Providence, was electroplated and fully gold leafed. The restored figure was reinstalled atop the ...
  29. [29]
    Six things to know about R.I.'s Independent Man - The Boston Globe
    Oct 13, 2023 · “Originally titled 'Hope' by sculptor George Brewster, the figure on top of the State House was nicknamed 'The Independent Man' by The ...<|separator|>
  30. [30]
    [PDF] A Guide to Rhode Island Government & History - Document Library
    THE RHODE ISLAND STATE HOUSE. The Independent Man has been struck by lightning at least 27 times! Legislators proposed removing “and Providence Plantations”.
  31. [31]
    The State House's Independent Man is Back - Rhode Island Monthly
    Apr 30, 2024 · Originally covered in gold leaf, the statue was plated in gold during a previous conservation in the 1970s. And now, the refurbished statue is ...
  32. [32]
    Independent Man Restoration Project
    Jul 25, 2025 · Restoration work will include a thorough cleaning of the statue, electroplating the areas of corrosion and damage due to weathering and finally ...
  33. [33]
    Independent Man returns to the top of the Rhode Island State House
    Dec 19, 2024 · The shiny gold statue has undergone some $2 million dollars in restorations to bring back and protect its luster, through a process known as ...
  34. [34]
    Governor McKee Unveils Independent Man Inside the State House ...
    Dec 6, 2023 · Yesterday, the more than 800-lb Independent Man statue, cast in bronze and plated in gold, made his historic move from atop the State House dome ...
  35. [35]
    The Independent Man Returns - RI Governor's office
    Apr 29, 2024 · The refurbished statue of the Independent Man is heading back home and will be available for public viewing just in time for Rhode Island Independence Day.Missing: facts | Show results with:facts
  36. [36]
    Rhode Island State House to Open for Saturday Tours in ... - RI.gov
    Apr 29, 2024 · The Independent Man will be on display in the State House lobby, and Mark Rabinowitz, the conservator responsible for the statue's ...Missing: facts | Show results with:facts
  37. [37]
    Old Stone Bank History of Rhode Island: General Nathanael Greene
    This statue of Nathanael Greene at the Rhode Island State House was created by Henri Schinhardt and dedicated on April 4, 1931. (April 19, 2008). A monument was ...
  38. [38]
    Rhode Island Government - RI.gov
    Jun 26, 2013 · The Charter itself is on display on the first floor at the State House in the new Charter Room, which was created as part of the 350th- ...
  39. [39]
    Rhode Island Charter gets new display - WJAR
    Jan 30, 2016 · The Rhode Island House Charter Museum is located in Room 143 of the State House and is open for public viewing. The Charter and other historical ...
  40. [40]
    RI's Famous Gettysburg Gun Honored In State House ... - GoLocalProv
    Jul 4, 2013 · The Gettysburg Gun, a brass field cannon called a "Napoleon," was manned by members of the 1st Regiment Rhode Island Light Artillery Battery B, ...
  41. [41]
    The Gettysburg Gun - Emerging Civil War
    Sep 25, 2024 · The Gettysburg Gun, a bronze 12-pounder Napoleon, was one of six cannon serviced by members of the 1st Rhode Island Light Artillery, Battery B, ...
  42. [42]
    Rhode Island State House
    Sep 30, 2016 · The Rhode Island State House is a grand building with a large marble dome, modeled after the US Capitol, and features a mural inside the dome.<|control11|><|separator|>
  43. [43]
    Rhode Island State House | Accidentally Wes Anderson
    From the world's fourth-largest self-supporting marble dome to a portrait of George Washington painted by a leading Revolutionary artist, it's impossible to ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  44. [44]
    [PDF] Agency Summary GENERAL ASSEMBLY
    The Rhode Island Legislature, the General Assembly, consists of two chambers. ... The House of Representatives is composed of 75 members. The Office of the ...
  45. [45]
    Capitol TV - State of Rhode Island General Assembly
    All sessions of the House of Representatives and the Senate are televised using the Rhode Island Cable Television Statewide Interconnect System.
  46. [46]
    [PDF] Legislature - Office of Management and Budget
    The Rhode Island Legislature, the General Assembly, consists of two chambers. ... The House of Representatives is composed of 75 members. The Office of the ...
  47. [47]
    Rhode Island Department of State - RI.gov
    The Speaker oversees the proceedings in the House of Representatives and ensures that the chamber is run according to the rules adopted by the members.
  48. [48]
    [PDF] State House - IIS Windows Server
    was established in Providence. 1895-1904. The Rhode Island State House was the first building with an all-marble dome to be built in the United States. 1896.
  49. [49]
    Senate Leadership - State of Rhode Island General Assembly
    The President of the Senate serves as the presiding officer of the 38-member Chamber and as presiding officer when both Chambers of the Legislature meet in ...
  50. [50]
    2025 Rhode Island legislative session - Ballotpedia
    In 2025, the Rhode Island General Assembly was scheduled to convene on January 7 and adjourn on June 20. The legislators serving in this session took office ...
  51. [51]
    Getting Started - State of Rhode Island General Assembly
    By order of Rhode Island's Constitution, each General Assembly session begins the first Tuesday in January. The session generally continues until sometime in ...
  52. [52]
    Office of the Governor - Rhode Island - MuckRock
    Rhode Island. Office of the Governor - Rhode Island. File a Request. Contact Info. Address. 82 Smith Street, Room 109, Providence, RI 02903. Email: Available to ...
  53. [53]
    JCLS - State of Rhode Island General Assembly
    The JCLS office prepares and submits the annual budget and oversees the finances of the Legislature. The operations staff is responsible for the purchasing ...
  54. [54]
    Welcome to the Office of Governor Dan McKee | Governor's ... - RI.gov
    PROVIDENCE, RI – Governor Dan McKee and Rhode Island Commerce today announced that the state welcomed a record 29.4 million visitors in 2024, a ... Read ...Contact the GovernorConstituent ServicesMenuInvite the Governor to an eventAbout
  55. [55]
    WaterFire Salute to Veterans
    The Opening Ceremonies at the RI State House with a speaking led by local representatives and a keynote speaker.
  56. [56]
    US ARMY 250th BIRTHDAY OBSERVANCE CEREMONY - AUSA
    Jun 13, 2025 · 2nd Annual United States Army Birthday Observance Ceremony. Please join us. Friday, June 13, 2025 12:00pm -1:00pm. Rhode Island State House
  57. [57]
    State House Ceremonies - Wreaths Across America
    Volunteers conduct the State House ceremonies each year in their respective state capitols on the Monday prior to National Wreaths Across America Day.<|separator|>
  58. [58]
    https://www.heraldnews.com/picture-gallery/news/local/ojornal/2025/06/07/take-a-look-at-the-ceremony-at-the-rhode-island-state-house-to-showcase-portuguese-culture/84087666007/
  59. [59]
    See the ceremony at the R.I. State House to showcase Portuguese ...
    Day of Portugal Ceremony and Reception at the Rhode Island State House, June 6, 2025. Dancers from the Cranston Portuguese Club Folklore Group listen to the ...
  60. [60]
    Rhode Island State House Lighting - The Wheeler School
    The dome will be lit red from October 18–24, 2025. An event will be held at the State House on Wednesday, October 22.
  61. [61]
    Specials - Capitol TV
    Award Ceremony - RI Dermatology Society: 5-15-2025 · Rhode Island State House Zoo Day Event: 5-14-2025 · Celebration Ceremony: Asian ...
  62. [62]
    News And Events - Rhode Island - Gregg M. Amore - sos.ri.gov
    RI Department of State to Host 'Spooky State House' on October 23. PROVIDENCE, RI – It's time once again to pick out your costume for trick-or-treating at ...
  63. [63]
    Restoration of Mural in the Rhode Island State House by Charles C ...
    The State House was designed by the renowned New York architectural firm of McKim, Mead, and White, and built between 1896 and 1904. ... Titled “The Four Freedoms ...Missing: maintenance issues
  64. [64]
    $$54M renovation plan eyed for State House after marble chunk falls
    which helps support a balcony — fell and smashed into the ground near where people enter the ...Missing: leaks | Show results with:leaks<|separator|>
  65. [65]
    State House Restoration Project
    May 8, 2024 · State House Restoration Project ; Location, 82 Smith St, Providence, RI ; Start, June 2023 ; Finish, March 2024 ; Projected Cost, $2,250,000.Missing: post- 2000
  66. [66]
    Governor McKee Announces Independent Man, State House Dome ...
    Sep 15, 2023 · The employees were documenting the State House cleaning and restoration project initiated by Governor McKee. The footage was captured before ...
  67. [67]
    State House Tours - Rhode Island Gregg M. Amore - sos.ri.gov
    Free docent-led tours for groups of fewer than ten people are available Monday-Friday at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Please use the General Public Tour request form to ...Missing: events exhibits accessibility
  68. [68]
    Arts Day at the State House | RISCA
    Apr 24, 2025 · There will be a tabling event, 2:30 p.m.-4 p.m., around the second-floor rotunda featuring artists and organizations showcasing how their work ...
  69. [69]
    8 Wheelchair Accessible Things to Do in Providence
    Tours are fully wheelchair accessible. Elevators are available on each floor. For more information on tours of the State House, visit sos.ri.gov. Nearest BUS: ...
  70. [70]
    CHAPTER FIFTEEN – TAKING DOWN THE INDEPENDENT MAN
    He symbolizes the spirit of independence and innovation that made Rhode Island an American leader in the development of religious liberty, the establishment of ...
  71. [71]
    Descent of the Independent Man in 1975 not without controversy
    The Independent Man has stood like a sentinel over our seat of government. He symbolizes the spirit of independence and innovation that made Rhode Island an ...
  72. [72]
    Full Episode: Tour of Our State House (1963) - YouTube
    Mar 5, 2024 · WJAR-TV introduced color broadcasts with the special "Tour of Our State House ... Building and restoring Rhode Island's State House. NBC 10 WJAR• ...Missing: media films
  73. [73]
    Providence / State House - Rhode Island Film & Television Office
    Providence / State House. Contact Us. Rhode Island Film & TV Office: One Capitol Hill: Providence, RI 02908: E mail - rifilm.info@arts.ri.gov
  74. [74]
    Governor McKee Announces State House Marble to Undergo ...
    Jul 27, 2023 · Governor Dan McKee today announced that starting this month, the 125-year-old Rhode Island State House will have the entire surface of its Georgian marble ...Missing: issues leaks
  75. [75]
    The Independent Man returns to State House perch in time for holidays
    Dec 18, 2024 · The iconic Independent Man statue returned to the top of the Rhode Island State House dome Wednesday, a year after it was removed for repairs.
  76. [76]
    [PDF] FY 2026 Capital - Office of Management and Budget
    ... Rhode Island State House. In FY 2024, the Independent Man was removed from atop the State House dome for restoration. Governor McKee unveiled the ...
  77. [77]
    https://www.ristatehouse.org/projects
  78. [78]
    Services - Rhode Island State House Restoration Committee
    The committee has undertaken restoration projects, including chamber upgrades, clock repairs, portrait conservation, and State Reception Room restoration.Missing: 1900-1930 | Show results with:1900-1930