The Michigan State Capitol holds a rich collection of artifacts and records that share the story of the building and the people who shaped it. Explore this history, and the earlier capitols, through the Michigan State Capitol Collections.
Explore the Michigan State Capitol collections, including photographs, artifacts, art, archives, and more: https://michiganstatecapitol.catalogaccess.com.
Michigan's Three State Capitols
Michigan was designated by the federal government in 1787, but it didn’t have a permanent seat of authority until it became a territory in 1805. For 32 years, the government shifted among Detroit sites before settling in an 1823 courthouse when Michigan became a state in 1837.
The 1835 Constitution required the state capital to be moved to a more central and secure location, away from British forces in Windsor, Ontario. After considering locations, the legislature chose Lansing Township. A temporary wooden capitol stood for 30 years on the block now bordered by Washington Avenue, Capitol Avenue, Allegan Street, and Washtenaw Street.
In 1871, Michigan began planning a larger, fire‑proof Capitol to reflect the dignity of state government. Completed in 1879, the Victorian‑era building quickly became an icon. Its dome appears on millions of documents and images, symbolically marking the center of Michigan.
To learn more visit the Michigan State Capitol's Three Capitols
