We
drove to Milton on the 18th and camped there for 3 days.
We
took a day trip into nearby Charleston, the capital and largest city in the
state, with a population of around 50,000. It is located on the confluence of
the Kanawha and Elk rivers. Unlike most cities, there are beautiful homes right
at the river’s edge in town. Of course, there were beautiful places around the
capitol building too.
The
capitol building is one of the most impressive we’ve ever seen. It is built of
buff limestone on the outside, with the interior being mostly marble. It took
about 8 years to complete. It has a 293 foot gold dome, which is 5 feet higher than
the U.S. Capitol. The gold is 23 ½ karat gold leaf applied over copper and
lead.
One
of the most impressive sights was the 4,000 pound chandelier made of
Czechoslovakian crystal hanging on a 54 foot bronze and brass chain from the
peak of the rotunda dome. It is suspended 180 feet from the floor, is eight
feet in diameter, and has 96 light bulbs.
The
Lower House (House of Delegates) chamber is at the east end and the Upper House
(Senate) is at the west end. To show the ranking of the lawmaking bodies, the
Upper House has a domed ceiling while the Lower House has a flat ceiling.
The
eagles in the Senate have spread wings, while the eagles in the House have
closed wings.
Identical
1,500 pound crystal chandeliers are in both chambers. Each contains about 3,000
pieces of glass beading and 10,000 pieces of crystal.
Both
chambers have a hand carved black walnut desk for each senator and delegate.
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Senate
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House
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Above
the dais is each chamber is a hand carved cherry replica of the Great Seal of
West Virginia. The Latin state’s motto is “Montani Semper Liberi”, which
translates to “Mountaineers Are Always Free”.
Throughout the capitol were beautiful lights, lamps, etc. made from different types of marble. It was certainly an impressive building.
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Mary & Bentley resting in Senate Chamber
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Charleston was once home to Daniel Boone, who served in the Virginia House of Delegates.
After visiting the capitol, we drove thru the downtown area.
While in Milton, we visited the Blenko Glass Company. The company began in 1892 and moved to Milton in 1929. It offers a visitor center, museum, and free factory tour. We watched skilled artisans crafting molten liquid glass into pretty vases.
They also make handmade flat glass for architectural purposes and cathedrals.
They were decorated for fall, including a colorful addition outside.
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