Wyoming Built It’s Capitol Before It Was A State

Wyoming's Capitol Building was constructed in stages. Frankly, it looked a little silly when the first stage was done.

The gentleman in the video below created a funny video of the construction and add-ons over the years.

Construction of the Wyoming State Capitol in Cheyenne officially began on September 9, 1886, and was completed across three distinct building phases. You can explore more details on the Wyoming Capitol History page. There were only 5000 people in the territory when construction began.

Did you notice I said, "in the territory?" Wyoming was not yet a state, but they began construction on the capitol anyway.

Three Construction Phases For Wyoming Capitol

1888 (Phase 1): The main central core of the building was completed by the territorial government.

Wyoming became the 44th U.S. state on July 10, 1890. Phase one was already complete.

1890 (Phase 2): Small east and west wings were finished just in time for Wyoming to join the Union as the 44th state on July 10, 1890.

1917 (Phase 3): The final major historic addition finished the official House and Senate chambers.

Historical and structural issues at the Wyoming Capitol Square Project led to a major multi-year renovation to fix failing building systems and safety hazards.

Over the years, there were many additions and parts of the capitol that were covered over and forgotten.

The Wyoming Capitol Square Project completed a historic four-year, $299 million comprehensive renovation and restoration of the 130-year-old National Historic Landmark in Cheyenne. Old murals and even covered-up rooms were discovered.

Restoration of the historic capitol building, upgrading the central utility plant, expanding the underground connector tunnel, and renovating the adjacent Herschler Office Building.

Masons sourced matching sandstone from the original Rawlins quarry to repair weather damage on the Renaissance Revival exterior.

The capitol is the people's building. Feel free to enter and walk around anytime you wish. History is on display for you.