Capitol Square Tour
As the construction of the Capitol was nearing completion in 1878, notable Michigan landscape architect Adam Oliver was hired to plan out Capitol Square. Oliver’s design created a leafy, green setting for new building featuring open lawns on the east and west sides, crisscrossed with paved walkways. The sidewalks surrounding Capitol Square were lined with an allée of shade trees.
Today, a walk around Capitol Square is a wonderful way to enjoy the building’s architecture, historic monuments, and beautiful landscaping.
Begin the Tour
Begin in front of the Capitol at the east steps.
The Rise & Progress of Michigan
The sculpture carved into the pediment above the east steps was designed by Michigan artist, Lewis Ives. Titled “The Rise and Progress of Michigan” a central figure holds a book and a globe representing education and modernity. The two figures behind her are surrounded by symbols of Michigan’s late 19th century industries including agriculture, shipping, mining, and lumbering.
Next, take the curved sidewalk to the right of the stairs.
Replica Loomis Battery Cannons
For many years, two Civil War cannons from the famous Loomis Battery of Coldwater, Michigan stood on the Capitol’s east lawn. These original cannons were removed during WWII when they were apparently donated to a scrap metal drive. These replica cannons were funded entirely by private donations and were installed on the original mounts in 2015.
Turn your attention to the long bed of flowers lining the curved sidewalk.
Perennial Beds
The elliptical beds along the Capitol’s north and south wings were inspired by the work of Gertrude Jekyll, a famous English gardener whose designs were less formal than typical Victorian garden schemes. The Capitol’s Jekyll beds include plants that bloom throughout the growing season with warmer colors closer to the East entrance and cooler colors at the far ends of the building.
Head toward the northeast corner of the building along the curved sidewalk.
The Capitol Cornerstone
The Capitol’s granite cornerstone records the first and last years of the building’s construction, 1872 and 1878. Over 30,000 people gathered in Lansing to see the stone laid into place on October 2, 1873. A time capsule holding the building plans, documents, coins, and other significant items was placed inside. Unfortunately, by the time the cornerstone was opened in 1978, most of the contents had turned to ‘gunk.’ A new time capsule was installed in 1979 to be opened in 2079.