When you walk into the California State Capitol in Sacramento, you are not just entering a government building. You are stepping into a story told through marble, murals, and symbolism. Every column, statue, and carving reflects not only the history of California but also the vision of those who built the state’s seat of power. Jane Moorman’s California State Capitol invites readers to look beyond the architecture and see the narratives etched into stone and painted across walls.
One of the most fascinating symbols in the Capitol is that of Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom and war. According to mythology, Minerva was born fully grown, and in California, she came to represent the state’s rapid rise to power. Unlike other states that transitioned from territories, California entered the Union directly as a state. Minerva’s presence throughout the building is a reminder of that unusual history and of California’s identity as a place of bold beginnings.
But Minerva is only one of the many details that make the Capitol a visual and symbolic masterpiece. Each chamber and hallway reflects the state’s personality during the time it was constructed. The intricate patterns, the choice of statues, and the murals that depict California’s landscapes and industries were meant to showcase the promise of a young state full of ambition. Moorman’s photography captures these elements with clarity, helping readers see how the Capitol is as much a work of art as it is a functional space.
In her book, Moorman shares how the State Capitols Project began almost by chance. What started as an idea quickly turned into a personal mission to document the unique character of capitols across the United States. The California State Capitol became one of her most compelling subjects, not just for its design but for the stories it represents. Through her lens, the building becomes a living narrative that blends history, art, and civic identity.
The value of looking at the Capitol this way is that it reminds us of the deeper meaning behind public buildings. They are more than workplaces for lawmakers. They are monuments that reflect the values and aspirations of the people they represent. Every carving, every painted panel, is a piece of California’s story told in visual language.
For readers who want to experience these stories up close, Jane Moorman’s California State Capitol offers a window into the symbols, artistry, and history that make this building so much more than stone walls. It is a chance to rediscover California’s past while standing firmly in its present.
Explore the symbols that shaped a state. Start with this book, available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CW1JS79L.