|
Oregon
State Capitol Tour
Rotunda |
 |
|
Tour
and Images Main Page |
 |
Rotunda In the center of the rotunda, embedded in the floor, is a large bronze replica of the Oregon State Seal. |
| The state seal was sculpted by Ulric Ellerhusen, who also created the six cast bronze sculptures over the main entrance doors - three outside and three inside. Eight medallions painted near the top of the walls of the rotunda represent the eight objects in the state seal. | |
|
The Capitol dome rises 106 feet above the state seal
in the floor of the spacious rotunda. The ceiling, painted by Frank H.
Schwarz, features a design of thirty-three stars symbolizing Oregon as
the thirty-third state in the union.
|
 |
|
Surrounding the rotunda are four large, colorful murals illustrating events in Oregon history: Captain Robert Gray at the mouth of the Columbia River in 1792; Lewis and Clark on their way to the Pacific in 1805;
|
|
 |
the first women to cross the continent by covered wagon, welcomed by Dr. John McLoughlin in 1836; and the first wagon train migration in 1843. Outstanding examples of Depression period art, the murals were painted by Barry Faulkner and Frank H. Schwarz. |
|
The seal of the provisional government (1843-1848) is above the grand staircase leading to the Senate Chamber. The territorial seal (1848-1859) is above the opposite staircase leading to the House of Representatives. |
 |
| The four smaller murals alongside the stairways are symbolic of Oregon industries. | |
