Every historic building has secrets, but few hold as many as the Ohio Statehouse. At first glance, it may appear to be just another seat of government, but step inside and you discover a structure filled with symbols, craftsmanship, and stories that connect directly to the nation’s past. Jane Moorman’s Ohio State Capitol invites readers to uncover these untold stories through striking photography and insightful context, bringing fresh life to a building often taken for granted.
Construction of the Ohio Statehouse began in 1839 and lasted more than twenty years. Unlike many other state capitols, it was built without a grand dome, opting instead for a Greek Revival design with a cupola that makes it stand apart. This architectural choice symbolized strength, balance, and practicality, values that Ohio’s early leaders wanted the state to represent. Moorman’s lens captures not only the exterior’s bold simplicity but also the subtle details that tell a deeper story about the state’s identity.
Inside, the Statehouse walls hold layers of history. The marble floors in the rotunda, patterned with stones from across the country, represent unity at a time when the United States was anything but united. Presidents like Abraham Lincoln and William McKinley once walked these same corridors, leaving behind echoes of speeches, decisions, and debates that shaped the nation. Moorman’s photography makes these connections visible, drawing the eye to architectural details that speak of resilience and purpose.
But it’s not just the well-known figures or grand designs that make the Statehouse fascinating. Lesser-told stories lie in the artwork, carvings, and symbols that adorn its halls. Statues, portraits, and inscriptions reveal Ohio’s values during different eras, moments of pride, challenge, and aspiration. Moorman highlights these elements, showing how every corner of the building carries meaning beyond its function as a workplace for lawmakers.
Exploring the Statehouse is like turning the pages of a living history book. However, photographs like those in Ohio State Capitol allow us to pause and study details that might otherwise go unnoticed. By focusing on both the monumental and the minute, Moorman uncovers stories that remind us the Statehouse is more than stone and mortar. It is a monument to Ohio’s role in the American story.
For readers who want to go beyond the surface and discover the narratives hidden in architecture, Jane Moorman’s Ohio State Capitol offers a journey worth taking. It proves that within the walls of this historic building lies not just the story of Ohio, but a window into the broader story of America itself.
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