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Overview |
For two hundred years, the New Jersey State House has proudly served as the seat of our state government. Designed by Jonathan Doane, the original building was constructed in 1792, shortly after New Jersey was recognized as the third official state in the US, independent from rule by the British. When New Jersey ratified the Constitution, the two provinces known as East and West Jersey each had their own capital, Perth Amboy and Burlington, respectively. The unified Legislature voted to establish Trenton as the permanent capitol, and construction of the State House began. Over the next two centuries, the capitol evolved and expanded, and even suffered a destructive fire. Each renovation made the State House more practical and comfortable for New Jersey’s lawmakers and governors. While its occupants have varied, the New Jersey State House remains home to the State Legislature, the Governor’s Office and several other executive branch offices. In addition to quartering our elected officials, the State House stands as an important historical and architectural monument, boasting long standing tradition and style. Despite the many structural changes and additions, parts of the original State House are still in use as the Governor’s private chambers, making New Jersey’s capitol the second oldest in continuous use. New Jersey is quite proud of its heritage. Governors and lawmakers throughout the centuries have worked hard to preserve the rich history of the capitol. The State House Dome Repair and Restoration Project is an integral step toward keeping the tradition alive for generations to come. |
