GUERNSEY - The Wyoming Capitol building has stood as a symbol of the spirit of the people of Wyoming for more than a century. Through struggles mighty and small, the state has persevered and thrived. Many additions, updates and improvements have been made to the physical building since the 1887 laying of the cornerstone. Authors and historians, Starley Talbott and Linda Fabian, will be special guests of the Guernsey VFW Thursday, Oct. 13 at 4 p.m. and share details of the innumerable changes since then, along with other historic firsts that took place inside the state capitol building. The public is welcome to attend.   

Wyoming was sparsely populated in 1886 when territorial governor Francis E. Warren spoke of a need for public buildings. The territorial legislature passed a bill authorizing the construction of a capitol at a cost not to exceed $150,000. Governor Warren signed the bill March 4, 1886, and appointed the Capitol Building Commission. The commission purchased a site on Hill Street, now Capitol Avenue, at a cost of $13,100. David W. Gibbs of Toledo, Ohio, was selected as the architect. The company of Adam Feick & Bro. of Sandusky, Ohio, submitted the winning construction bid of $131,275.13. The contractors’ broke ground Sept. 9, 1886.

Recent renovations upgraded the capitol’s Classical style and striking gold-leaf dome. The most important room, where women’s right to vote began, has been restored to its original grandeur. To enjoy more of the building’s history, you are welcome to attend the program Thursday, April 21 at 4 p.m.  For details contact Ellie Behrmann at 307-710-5979.