State Houses: America's 50 State Capitol Buildings

A magnificent celebration of America's state capitol buildings.

These glorious buildings are, in the author's words, "the homes of history," where laws are passed, where democracy is enacted, where history is written. Though each state capitol bears some similarity to the other forty-nine, each in its architecture and design reflects uniquely the pride of its state, both culturally and historically.

For this unprecedented project, photographer Tom Patterson traveled to each of America's fifty state capitals to capture the architectural beauty and dignity of its capitol building in glorious large-format color images.

Writer Susan W. Thrane reveals fascinating details about each capitol building's beginnings:

• the events surrounding construction
• background on its architects and builders
• dimensions and costs
• primary features and main rooms
• unique furnishings and works of art.

The book also discusses important moments in the history of each building and the state itself, including:

• the origin of the state's name
• its capital city
• when the state was admitted to the Union, and
• the number of members in its legislative bodies.

Susan Waddell Thrane practiced law in Ohio before writing County Courthouses of Ohio. She is now involved in historic preservation in Thetford, Vermont, where she is a member of the local renovation and restoration committee.

Tom Patterson's photography has appeared in a wide range of publications. His previous book, County Courthouses of Ohio, was also co-authored by Susan Waddell Thrane. He lives in Dayton, Ohio, where he operates a photography and graphic design studio.