Near the center of Pennsylvania, at a pass in a mountain ridge where the Susquehanna River flows, is Harrisburg—a historical and beautiful city that serves as Pennsylvania’s capital. From its past as an English settlement in the 1700’s to its sprawling growth into a modern city that has around 572,000 residents, Harrisburg’s rich history has made it a strategic hub for culture, business, and government.
Harrisburg was selected as the state capital of PA by the legislature in 1812, and the Pennsylvania State Capitol Complex boasts one of the finest examples of the period’s stunning architecture. This Complex sits on more than 50 areas of landscaped park environments, where visitors can explore many different monuments, buildings, and memorials that bring the past to life, including:
- The Pennsylvania State Capitol Building: The capitol building itself is
the gem of the Complex, recognized nationally for its interior opulence and artwork. Here, you’ll find paintings, stained glass, and furnishing by some of the most iconic artisans of the time. Inspired by St. Peter’s Basilica, one of Michelangelo’s masterpieces, is an awe-inspiring dome that is 272 feet of beauty and elegance.
- North and South Buildings: Completed a few years apart but perfectly complementary in design, these building are similar in size to the Capitol building and also offer a unique glimpse into the style and architecture of the time period. Designed in Classical Revival style and built from Indian limestone, these building are an impressive addition to the Complex’s beauty.
- Ryan Office Building: With the designation as the oldest building in the Complex, the Ryan Office Building was finished in 1894. With its strategic location, it also features a circular walkway between nearby buildings that has a gorgeous center fountain and a unique design.
- Forum and Finance Building: Both of these buildings feature the same Indian limestone construction and Classical Revival-style architecture as the North and South Buildings. Located in a park just across the street from the other Complex buildings, you can also visit the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Memorial Grave here.
- The State Museum of Pennsylvania: Designed to both preserve and interpret the area’s history and culture for residents and visitors of Harrisburg, the State Museum of Pennsylvania is located adjacent to the State Capitol Building. With three floors of artifacts and displays from prehistoric times through the Civil War and modern technological innovation, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this beautiful and fascinating building.
The State Capital Complex is at the heart of Harrisburg’s past and offers a glimpse into the future of the area—highlighting the best that the region has to offer. Whether you want to dive into history, have a fascination with architecture, or simply want to explore all of the unique characteristics that make Harrisburg one of the best places in the country to raise a family, there is plenty to see at the State Capitol Complex and in the surrounding region.
At O’Brien’s Moving & Storage, we have served Pennsylvania communities since 1928—and we’ve been there from the start to watch our state capital grow into the modern-day city that it is today. As an interstate agent of Allied Van Lines with trained, experienced Harrisburg long distance movers, we are proud to provide the comprehensive household moving services needed to help Harrisburg residents get settled into their new homes.
Are you are planning on making a long distance move from Greater Harrisburg or its surrounding communities? Give our Harrisburg interstate moving company a call to learn more about our professional, affordable moving and storage services. You can also fill out our online form now, and we’d be happy to set up a time to come out to your home for a free estimate and consultation.
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