This structure, with a similar U.S. Capitol-inspired dome, was designed by Madison architects August Kutzbock and Samuel Hunter Donnell and built between 1857 and 1869.

The effectiveness of the reinforcements was initially hampered by very cold temperatures; by the time they reached Madison, their equipment had frozen and needed to be thawed.

Numerous records, books, and historical artifacts were lost, including the mount of Old Abe, a Civil War mascot.

[5] Construction of the present capitol, the fourth building and the third in Madison, began in late 1906 and was completed in 1917 at a cost of $7.25 million.

The Capitol is 284 feet, 5 inches tall from the ground floor to the top of the Wisconsin statue on the dome.

Its left hand holds a globe surmounted by an eagle and her right arm is outstretched to symbolize the state motto, "Forward".

The capitol ceiling, visible from the center of the building, features Resources of Wisconsin, a mural by Edwin Howland Blashfield.

Due to the domed shape of the ceiling, the mural was painted in pieces and was assembled similarly to a jigsaw puzzle.

Wisconsin is surrounded by other women, wrapped in a large American Flag, who are reaching for goods such as tobacco, lead, and fruits.

A 1990 state law prevents any building within one mile of the capitol from being taller than the base of the columns surrounding and supporting its dome.

The purpose of the project was to convert the capitol into a modern working building, while restoring and preserving its original 1917 appearance.

Remodeling projects of the 1960s and 70s had introduced features out of character with the architecture of the building, such as dropped ceilings, movable partitions and fluorescent light fixtures, and many original decorative stencils were painted over.

Electrical, mechanical (such as plumbing and heating), and communications systems were upgraded; asbestos was removed, and air conditioning was added.

This work, often referred to as the "Golden Lady", consists of an allegorical figure reminiscent of Athena, dressed in Greek garb, and wearing a helmet topped by a badger, the Wisconsin state totem.