Every great building begins as an idea, but few ideas shape the identity of an entire state. The California State Capitol in Sacramento is one such structure, a blend of art, architecture, and ambition that tells the story of a young state determined to define itself. In her captivating book, California State Capitol, photographer and author Jane Moorman takes readers behind the marble columns and gilded halls to uncover the craftsmanship, symbolism, and history that built one of America’s most distinctive capitol buildings.
The story begins in the mid-19th century, when California was a place of rapid change. Gold had transformed the region into a land of opportunity, and in 1850, the state officially joined the Union. Unlike most states, California skipped the territorial phase entirely, becoming a state immediately, a leap symbolized throughout the Capitol by the Roman goddess Minerva, who, according to legend, was born fully grown. Moorman captures Minerva’s image carved and painted throughout the building, representing wisdom, courage, and California’s own swift rise to power.
Construction of the Capitol began in 1793 and lasted over a decade. Its neoclassical design reflected both grandeur and purpose, echoing the architecture of the U.S. Capitol in Washington while incorporating local influences that made it uniquely Californian. Moorman’s photography showcases the building’s symmetry, its elegant rotunda, and its intricate details that often go unnoticed by hurried visitors. Her lens highlights how every statue, molding, and mural tells a story of the people and ideals that shaped the Golden State.
One of the most striking aspects of the California State Capitol is how Moorman invites readers to look beyond stone and paint. Through her imagery, the building becomes a living document of California’s evolving identity. Its ambition, innovation, and diversity are reflected in design choices that strike a balance between tradition and individuality. The Corinthian columns, the ironwork, and the carefully chosen colors all speak to an era of optimism and vision.
Moorman also brings a personal narrative to her project. Her State Capitols Project began almost by accident, with a casual idea to photograph America’s capital buildings. When her brother reminded her that two states couldn’t be reached by car, she replied with characteristic determination: “Your point is? It gives me a good reason to visit every state.” That spirit of curiosity and perseverance runs through every page of her work, making her exploration of the California Capitol not just historical but human.
Today, the California State Capitol remains both a working seat of government and a monument to the state’s enduring creativity. Through Moorman’s perspective, readers rediscover it not as a distant landmark, but as a piece of living heritage, a reminder that architecture can speak when words fall short.
For anyone fascinated by history, art, or the power of place, Jane Moorman’s California State Capitol is more than a photography book. It’s a journey through California’s story, carved in stone and told through light.
Explore Jane Moorman’s California State Capitol now on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CW1JS79L.