Monday, June 4, 2018

Denver, Colorado: State Capitol

The most interesting part of the capitol building for Colorado is a story told on the steps.

The structure is located about one mile above sea level, depending on where you stand. But which step is correct? That's the big question when you prepare to enter the building, which is higher than most of downtown Denver.

Originally, the 15th step was designated as 5,280 feet up. But then measuring techniques improved, and the 18th step was designated as the spot in 1969. Fast forward about 25 years, and the line dropped to the 13th step. Well, if you bounce up the steps you are sure to cross the right one along the way. By the way, you can sit exactly a mile above sea level if you attend a Colorado Rockies' home game; the line goes through the upper deck and the appropriate seats are painted a different color.

This was opened for business in 1894 (the state entered the Union in 1876), and has a gold leafing on its dome. There is plenty of marble and stained glass. If you want a good view, be prepared to go up 99 steps to the dome to see Denver from above.

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