Wok N Roll with us...Bob and Teri Along with Atlas and Kalani: Richmond, Virginia 9/14/2016

We began our exploration of Richmond Virginia at their state Capitol. The Capitol Building was designed by Thomas Jefferson and stands as the oldest operating legislator in the Western Hemisphere - The General Assembly, first established as the house of Burgesses in 1619. House of Burgesses Completed in 1788, Jefferson modeled his design after the ancient Roman Temple, Maison Carree in Southern France. Roman Temple It is one of only 12 capitols in the United States without an external dome. On our tour we learned how money was not readily available to build what was envisioned. Because of this, the building is actually Virginia bricks covered in smooth stucco. To handle their growing needs, today one enters the capitol through an extension building built at the bottom of the stairs. There is a very large extension, built entirely underground that after walking through this extension one is at the base of the front door of the old Capitol. We thought this was a creative extension, and this link shows the entrance to that extension. Extension Entrance This was really a beautiful Capitol and well maintained.

Next to the Capitol is the old City Hall, completed in 1894. It is a beautiful building and quite unusual inside. Not open to tours, it was still a fun building to peek into the entryway.

One block from the Capitol we visited the St. Paul's Episcopal Church (completed 1845). Both Robert E. Lee and Jefferson Davis worshiped here. The Tiffany Stained glass windows are incredibly beautiful and when we visited the sanctuary it was filled with the organist's creations.

We also stop for a quick visit to Cathedral of Sacred Heart, completed in 1905. This was yet another beautiful church.

We finished up the day by visiting the the 100 acre Victorian estate, the Maymont. James and Sally Dooley completed their mansion in 1893. Named the Maymont after Sally's maiden name May, and Mont for Mountain. The Dooleys lived in the home for 30 years, had no children, and all the furnishings are original and beautiful. The grounds are beautiful as well. The grounds include an Italian Garden with pergola and water fountains and a most beautiful Japanese garden with a 100 year old Japanese Maple tree, a 45 foot waterfall, torii gate and rock gardens. More on the Dooleys can be read at : Dooley