Rhode Island State House, Capitol building in Providence, United States.
The Rhode Island State House is the capitol building in Providence and serves the legislative assembly of the state. Above the structure rises a self-supporting marble dome crowned by a bronze statue called The Independent Man.
Construction began in 1895 following a design by the architectural firm McKim, Mead & White and was completed in 1904. The building replaced an older city hall and became the seat of state government.
The name Independent Man refers to the idea of religious and political freedom that played a role in the colony's founding. Visitors can see paintings, tapestries, and historical documents inside that recall these traditions.
The building stands on Smith Street and offers free guided tours on weekdays, with virtual tours also available. Visitors should be prepared for security screenings and can explore the museum and public areas.
The dome stands without internal support structure and ranks among the largest self-supporting marble domes in the world. The weight of the bronze statue at the top exceeds 1,000 pounds (450 kilograms).
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