Frequently Asked Questions

• How many windows are in the Capitol?
  There are 354 windows in the Capitol.

• How many people work in the Capitol?
  There are about 350 employees during the interim and 750 employees during session.

• Why is the state seal roped off?
  The seal is roped off out of respect for the symbol and to protect it.

• How many steps to the Gold Man?
  There are 121 steps up to the Gold Man.

• Who is the Gold Man?
  The Gold Man is not anybody in particular. He represents the pioneers who settled our area.

• How much does he weigh and how tall is he?
  The Gold Man is 8.5 tons and is 23 feet tall!

• Why are there stars on the Rotunda's ceiling?
  There are 33 stars on the ceiling to represent the fact that Oregon was the 33rd state admitted to the Union.

• What does the chamber carpet represent?
  In the Senate, the wheat represents the agricultural industry in Oregon and the Chinook Salmon is the state fish. In the House, the Douglas Fir is the state tree.

• What are the plaques on the members' desks?
  Each desk has a plaque with the name of every member who sat at that desk. At the beginning of each session, the members choose where they sit. They don't have to be at a certain desk unless they hold a leadership position. Because of that, there are some members who have their name on several desks!

• Do I have a legislator?
  Everybody has one Representative and one Senator. If you'd like to find out who represents you, check out the "Find Your Legislator" link.

• Who stands at the big desk or podium (in the chambers)
  In the Senate, the Senate President stands at the podium and in the House, the Speaker is at the podium.

• Is the state seal gold?
  The state seal is not gold, but a highly polished bronze. Another interesting fact is that the seal and the Gold Man were both designed by the same artist, Ulric Ellerhusen!

• When was the Capitol built?
  This Capitol was completed in 1938. We've actually had two other Capitols that were destroyed by fires.

• Is the Gold Man really gold?
  The Gold Man really is covered in gold...about 11.83 ounces of gold leaf.

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