Colorado State Capitol Virtual Tour

The Tunnels

Thirty feet below the basement lies a vast network of tunnels that connects the Museum Building (now the Legislative Services Building), State Office Building, State Services Building, and State Capitol Annex to the State Capitol. The 9,000 to 1,300 feet of tunnel measures 6 1/2 to 8 feet high and 5 to 8 feet wide. Originally, these passageways were lined with track so that carts filled with coal could be easily transported within the capitol complex. This system also allowed the transportation of water from the complex's artisian wells to the various offices. The tunnels are now used as conduits for the capitol complex's large steam and heating pipes as well as electrical wiring.

Legend has it that there is a hidden treasure in the capitol's secret labyrinth. A watchman guarded the capitol from the day the building opened until the day he died almost thirty years later. During that time the watchman lived in the tunnels and reportedly lived very frugally. Every paycheck he received was converted to silver dollars, and supposedly he hid his stash somewhere in the tunnels he called home for thirty years. The watchman's treasure has yet to be found.

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last modified June 20, 2003