Wisconsin’s State Capitol is a rare gem of architecture that is beautifully preserved- and as the people’s building, it is open to explore. We recently found a 1991 version of “Wisconsin State Capitol Guide and History” at a local thrift shop – and we decided to put it to good use this holiday weekend.
There are several great links to Wausau and Marathon County within the Capitol that you should look for when you visit. First is the “Marathon” on the ceiling in one of the wings and “Wausau” on the entry way ceiling of another wing.
But most impressively, is the granite from Marathon County that is a part of the amazing interior that includes 43 types of stone and the largest granite dome in the country at just over 284 feet. First is the Wisconsin Green granite that was used to create the pilasters in the corridor that surround the rotunda on the ground floor, as well as the piers in the grand stair halls. Secondly is the Wisconsin Red in the columns at the legislative chamber lobbies.
Marathon County has a history of granite quarrying with several companies in the area, One company that supplied the granite for the capitol was Marathon County Granite, owned by Fred DeVoe at the time. The offices and factory were located just west of Athletic Field. They quarried four colors at their quarries: Green, Dark Red, Light Red, and Grey.
