Maryland State House Dome
Building Government:
The Maryland State House Dome and Lightning Rod
Introduction
In the late eighteenth century, the founding fathers believed that the
construction of government buildings should represent democratic ideals.
With their seamless shape and geometric unity, the classical features of
Greco-Roman domes crown both the national Capitol in Washington and forty-four
individual State Houses. For two centuries the imposing dome of the Maryland
State House has provided a sense of elegance and grandeur to the City of
Annapolis. While a splendid piece of architecture, its importance should
not be limited to its physical presence. The construction of the dome represents
not only the edification of the lofty ideals of a fledgling nation, but
also, the pragmatic struggles of building government in its early stages.
By studying the story of the dome's construction and the means its creators
used to protect it from physical destruction, we are presented with an
allegory of the conflicts, compromises, failures, and successes necessary
to achieve Federal government.
The First Dome, 1769-1774
The Second Dome, 1784-1787
The Second Dome, 1787-1792
The Second Dome's Completion, 1792-1797
The Franklin Lightning Rod
Conclusion
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Copyright June 16, 2003Maryland State Archives