California State Capitol History
At the 1849 Constitutional Convention, plans to establish a capital for the 31st state in the union were conceived. Years of ongoing controversy over location gave way to a final site selection, and architectural plans were finalized in 1856—but was construction ready to begin?
Planning
At the 1849 Constitutional Convention, plans to establish a capital for the 31st state in the union were conceived.
Construction
Four years after the architectural designs were approved, the construction of the Capitol building began.
Growth
The rapid growth of the state and expanding government responsibility soon created the need for additional space at the Capitol.
Restoration
The decision to restore the historic Capitol created one of the largest restoration projects in California’s history.