May 6, 2015

By Jim Nowlan
Outside Columnist

As the physical symbol of a state that contributed A. Lincoln, 285,000 soldiers (35,000 died) and immense provender for the triumphant Union cause, the Illinois Capitol was built to generate “shock and awe” among visitors, as state archivist David Joens puts it.
And it does to this day. Started in 1867 and completed two decades later, the capitol’s dome rises 361 feet, higher than the U.S. Capitol. The inner dome soars 233 feet above the first floor.
Visitors risk vertigo as they crane their necks upward toward the 9,000 pieces of stained glass that are embedded in the captivating, illuminated dome, which is capped by a five-foot rendition of the state seal.
But for those who are plying their trade of state politics and government during the present hectic legislative session, there is no time to admire the fancywork.     Login or Subscribe to read the rest of this story.