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Oregon
State Capitol Tour
Rotunda |
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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.