The history of Indiana's state capital is a fascinating journey that began in the early 19th century. Initially, the capital of Indiana was in Corydon, which served as the seat of government from the state's admission to the Union in 1816 until 1825. As the state grew and expanded northward, a more central location was needed. In 1821, the site for a new capital was selected, leading to the founding of Indianapolis, often referred to as the "capital in the woods."
The first statehouse in Indianapolis was a Greek Revival building completed in 1835. However, by the 1860s, it had become overcrowded and structurally unsound. After significant debate, a new statehouse was planned. Designed by Edwin May and later overseen by Adolph Scherrer after May's death, the current Indiana Statehouse was constructed between 1880 and 1888. This Renaissance Revival building, constructed with materials native to Indiana, includes Indiana limestone and wood, and features a central dome and rotunda flanked by north and south wings.
Over the years, the statehouse has undergone several renovations, most notably in the 1940s and again in the 1980s, which restored much of its original grandeur. Today, the Indiana Statehouse remains the centerpiece of a 49.5-acre governmental campus in downtown Indianapolis, housing the offices of the Governor, the Indiana General Assembly, and the Indiana Supreme Court.