A Walk Through Time
Pictorial History of Pennsylvania Capitol locations and original Capitol Complex buildings
The beautiful Pennsylvania Capitol that visitors see today was not built until 1906. Prior to that, the General Assembly met in a few different locations across the state.
These locations served as temporary locations of the Pennsylvania General Assembly. Prior to Independence Hall, Assembly meetings were held at various unknown locations in the cities of Chester, Philadelphia, and New Castle, from 1682 to 1732. Independence Hall was between 1735 and 1799. Lancaster County Courthouse was from 1777 to 1778 and from 1799 to 1812. Lastly, Dauphin County Courthouse was from 1812 to 1822.
Hills Capitol by House ArchivesPennsylvania House of Representatives Archives
Hills Capitol
The Hills Capitol served as the home for the General Assembly in Harrisburg from 1819 to 1897. This building was burned down on February 2, 1897. Designed by Stephen Hill and construction took place between 1819 and 1822.
Grace United Methodist Church by Historical Society of Dauphin CountyPennsylvania House of Representatives Archives
Grace United Methodist Church
After the fire at the Hills Capitol, and until the next building was complete, this church was used as temporary headquarters for the General Assembly for one year, 1897-1898.
This church is located at 216 State Street in Harrisburg.
Cobb CapitolPennsylvania House of Representatives Archives
Cobb Capitol
The Cobb Capitol, 1899-1902, was never fully completed as architect Henry Cobb had envisioned. The building was eventually clad over in granite and remains a part of the current Capitol.
Capitol Park by House ArchivesPennsylvania House of Representatives Archives
Huston Capitol
Designed and built by architect Joseph Miller Huston from 1902 to 1906. This is the Capitol visitors see today. In 2006, the building was listed as a National Historic Landmark.
Check out these various postcards depicting scenes from around Harrisburg!
Ryan Building View 2 by House ArchivesPennsylvania House of Representatives Archives
Executive Building
Built prior to the Main Capitol ca. 1894, this building is now known as the Matthew J. Ryan Building. The building has served many purposes including as the headquarters for state agencies, but also was the location of the State Library and State Museum.
Ryan Building by House ArchivesPennsylvania House of Representatives Archives
Executive Building
Another view of the Ryan Building.
Notice the 1920s period clothing depicting the era.
Interior Views
Postcards of the exterior demonstrate some changes to the Capitol. However, early postcards show vast changes to the House Chamber!
This postcard is from the gallery where you get an excellent view of the Speaker's rostrum.
Interior of House ChamberPennsylvania House of Representatives Archives
House Chamber
As you can see, this postcard shows the House Chamber in the early 1900s. The Speaker's rostrum is much more simple than today. In addition, the color palettes and missing apotheosis in the center help date the postcards to prior the completion of art by Edwin Austin Abbey.
Close Up by House ArchivesPennsylvania House of Representatives Archives
Modern look at the Capitol
For more information on the history of the Capitol please visit the site of Capitol Preservation Commitee
All postcards are from the House Archives collection! The Capitol Preservation Committee is an excellent resources for more information on Capitol Complex buildings! http://cpc.state.pa.us/
