Rhode Island State House, Providence (must see)

Standing tall on Smith Hill in Providence, the Rhode Island State House is more than just the state’s capitol—it’s a marble-clad, Neoclassical showpiece that practically glows with historical significance. Completed in 1904 from Georgia marble, its crowning glory is one of the world’s largest self-supporting marble domes, rivaling architectural heavyweights like Saint Peter’s Basilica, the Minnesota State Capitol, and, yes, the Taj Mahal.

Perched on top is “The Independent Man,” a gilded bronze statue originally named “Hope.” Installed in 1899 and weighing over 500 pounds, this 11-foot figure symbolizes the spirit of independence that Roger Williams embodied when he founded Providence.

Inside, the State House buzzes with activity. The Rhode Island General Assembly meets here, while the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, and General Treasurer each have offices within. Visitors can wander through a rotunda that seems to stretch endlessly upward, browse the State Library, or step into the State Room to admire Gilbert Stuart’s portrait of George Washington that is every bit as dignified as one would expect.

History enthusiasts will appreciate the original 1663 Royal Charter displayed in the Charter Museum, a document that granted the colony unprecedented religious and political freedoms. And for those fascinated by early technology, the State House stands as one of the first public buildings to be lit by electricity—a tradition that continues each evening when it’s bathed in a glow of 109 floodlights and two searchlights, turning the dome into a gleaming beacon against the city skyline.