North Carolina State Capitol Grounds

The North Carolina State Capitol has been the seat of state government since it opened in June of 1840. At one point, the building housed the office of the Governor, the Supreme Court and the chambers of the General Assembly, as well as various other state offices.

A National Historic Landmark, the N.C. State Capitol is one of the finest and best-preserved examples of the Greek Revival style of architecture in the United States. The Capitol features a domed rotunda and beautiful state Senate and House chambers, meticulously restored to their 1840 appearance. Until 1888, its granite walls housed all of state government and the NC General Assembly met here until 1961.

Visit the Capitol today to learn more about state government, citizenship, and the history of North Carolina and its capital city. Visitors are welcome to take self-guided tours of the building at any time during the site's operating hours. Free public guided tours are available on Saturdays. Reservations are not needed for the Saturday public tours. All group tours (10 or more people) must be scheduled a minimum of two weeks in advance through Capital Area Visitor Services.

Additionally, the NC State Capitol Grounds features several downtown military monuments, including the prominent North Carolina Vietnam Veterans Memorial and statues dedicated to various historical military eras.