Tennessee State Capitol

Parking for an RV rig was in short supply around the stately capital located high on a hill overlooking the river. We parked at the base of the hill after finding a row of metered spaces and trudged up countless steps to the top. Finally cresting the hill we found the tomb of President James Knox Polk, Napoleon of the Stump, and his wife Sarah. Making the final approach to the capital we noticed it lacked the domed rotunda so commonly found, instead topped by a simple cylindrical cupola.

Upon entering, we presented IDs to the state trooper on duty whose diligence saved a potential terrorist plot as he confiscated Rebecca's pepper spray until we exited. The interior was richly decorated with numerous original furnishings and several gasoliers that had been converted to electricity over 100 years ago. Unlike other capitals we've visited that relied on faux marbling, the Tennessee capital showed excellence of craftsmanship in its fittings and use of real stone.

One highlight room was the former Supreme Court room now used as a conference room. Hung inn there was a painting depicting famous Tennesseans, among them Sgt. Alvin York of WWI fame, the Cherokee Indian Sequoyah who crafted a written version of his native tongue for his people, Daniel Boone, and of course three presidents (Jackson, Polk, and Johnson - Andrew, not Lyndon).

Another highlight was a pair of bas relief panels in the House lobby commemorating voting rights. First, one focused on the 14th and 15th amendments that affirmed citizenship for African Americans then granted them voting rights.The second panel noted the 19th amendment giving suffrage to women, but alsodubiously noting that Tennessee was the last state to ratify the amendment in 1920.

Overall, the impression of this capital was that it is a favorite - where else can you go to knock out a capital AND a dead president all in one sitting?