At first glance, the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus looks nothing like its counterparts across the United States, and that’s exactly what makes it unforgettable. Where most state capitols reach for the sky with domes and spires, Ohio’s Capitol stands with quiet confidence beneath a broad, flat cupola. It doesn’t need grandeur to command attention; its strength lies in balance, symmetry, and purpose. In her visually stunning book, Ohio State Capitol, photographer Jane Moorman explores what makes this building so distinct and why it remains one of the most remarkable architectural achievements in American history.
Built over two decades and completed in 1861, the Ohio Statehouse is a masterpiece of Greek Revival design. Inspired by the ideals of democracy, reason, and order, it echoes the architecture of ancient Athens rather than the baroque flourishes of Washington, D.C. The choice was deliberate. As Moorman highlights through her photographs, Ohio’s founders sought to have their statehouse reflect integrity and practicality, values they believed defined their citizens. The result is a building that is both monumental and modest, a timeless structure that speaks through proportion rather than excess.
One of the most striking features Moorman captures is the building’s dome, or, rather, its absence. Instead of the towering domes common in other capitols, Ohio’s architects designed a cupola that is shorter, broader, and uniquely understated. This design choice gives the Statehouse its recognizable silhouette, setting it apart on the Columbus skyline. Moorman’s lens emphasizes the harmony of the structure, where every column and corridor feels intentional, each detail a tribute to simplicity and purpose.
Inside, the building reveals a different kind of splendor. Marble floors gleam under soft light, and stately chambers tell stories of leadership and legacy. Moorman’s photographs bring these spaces to life, showing how texture, light, and geometry interact to create quiet majesty. Her work reminds readers that architecture isn’t just about design. It’s about emotion. You don’t just see the Statehouse; you feel it.
What truly makes the Ohio Statehouse stand apart, Moorman suggests, is its timelessness. Despite being built more than 160 years ago, it still retains a modern feel. Its clean lines and open spaces reflect a sense of permanence and calm that continues to inspire. It’s a building that doesn’t shout for attention; it earns it.
For history enthusiasts, architecture admirers, or anyone who values craftsmanship and character, Jane Moorman’s Ohio State Capitol offers an illuminating journey through one of America’s most distinctive statehouses, a building that proves true greatness doesn’t always require a dome.
Explore Jane Moorman’s Ohio State Capitol now on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DSJYVBK4.