Colorado State Capitol Virtual Tour

Chandeliers and Electricity

The Capitol's light fixtures are unique in that they could be either gas or electric. Even though Denver had electricity by 1886, the builders did not view electricity as a reliable source of energy. Natural light was unable to illuminate the Capitol sufficiently, however, which forced the conversion of most of the fixtures to electricity. The creation of an electric generating plant in 1896 helped to circumvent monthly electric bills of $246. The last chandelier was converted to electricity in 1930. For those who are curious, the chandeliers are attached to a winch which lowers the one ton Goliaths so that a light bulb may be replaced. It is said that some legislators stare into the "tangle of bronze" to "straighten out their thoughts."

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last modified June 20, 2003