Moments in Capitol History Tour
Michigan's National Historic Landmark, the Michigan State Capitol, has played host to numerous historical figures, events, and moments in history. Photographs allow us to immerse ourselves in the history and to drop into a moment in time when a president addresses the Legislature, a rally makes its way inside, or for any other historic moment in history.
Begin the Tour
Proceed to the ground floor east elevator. Take the elevator to floor one. Proceed to the Capitol Rotunda.
Stanley Cup (June, 2008)
When the Detroit Red Wings won the Stanley Cup championship in 2008, one of its stops was in Lansing at the Michigan State Capitol. Thousands of visitors lined up for their chance to see the historic trophy and have their picture taken. The Capitol rotunda hosted the cup as fans and guests filed by in June 2008.
Lying in State (October, 2010)
Upon the death of a governor, they are often granted the honor of lying in state in the Capitol Rotunda. Such governors as Frank D. Fitzgerald in 1939, Chase S. Osborn in 1949, and George W. Romney in 1995, have lain in state here.
In one other notable instance, however, a governor who never saw this Capitol nor Lansing as the capital city, received such an honor. Michigan's first Governor Stevens T. Mason was disinterred from his crypt in Detroit's Capitol Park during park renovations in 2010. On October 26, 2010, nearly 170 years after his death, Gov. Mason laid in state under the stars for one ceremonious day, draped in a white governor's flag.
Return to the ground floor east elevator. Take the elevator to floor two to the executive lobby.