Built to last 1,000 years, the capitol was constructed in 1886 of granite from a Colorado quarry. The dome, which rises 272 feet above the ground, was first sheathed in copper and then replaced with gold leaf after a public outcry: Copper was not a Colorado product. Inside, murals depicting the history of water in the state adorn the walls of the first-floor rotunda, which offers a splendid view upward to the underside of the dome. Out front, the 13th step has a marker commemorating the elevation: exactly 1 mile above sea level. On the first floor, the west lobby hosts revolving temporary exhibits. To the right of the main lobby is the governor’s reception room. The second floor has main entrances to the House, Senate, and old Supreme Court chambers. On the third floor are entrances to the public and visitor galleries for the House and Senate. 45-minute guided tours are available.