Changes Over Time
Take a step back from the State House entrance, stand by the angled glass structure between the State House and Cross Office Building, and look to the east at the majestic building. Completed in 1832, the State House has grown and changed, as has the state it represents.
Gleason’s Pictorial Drawing Room Companion
Maine Historic Preservation Commission Collection
Originally designed by noted Boston architect Charles Bulfinch, the building was soon too small. Several decades after its construction, the State House was remodeled. Twenty years passed, and it was renovated again, gaining a west wing. In the early 1900s, it was enlarged again, this time to the north and south.
In 1890-91, architect John C. Spofford added a three-story wing to the original Charles Bullfinch-designed building at the cost of $150,000, providing additional space for state agencies and the Maine State Library.
Maine Historic Preservation Commission Collection
The capitol’s present-day appearance is due to G. Henri Desmond’s 1909-1910 renovations, costing $350,000. New wings were added to the north and south ends to extend the building and double its length. A new dome with a statue completed the renovated structure.
Maine Historic Preservation Commission Collection
It was during the last renovation that the low dome designed by Bulfinch was replaced by the tall, copper-clad dome that overlooks the State House Complex and Capitol Park today.