Constructed on land once owned by the state's first governor, the State House opened in 1798. The dome was first made of wood a few years later gilded in copper by Paul Revere's company. In 1997, the dome was re-gilded in 23 carat gold.
Of note, the main doors at the top of the stairs in front of the State House are only opened on three occasions: when the president visits; when a governor exits the building on his or her final day of office; and when a regimental flag is returned from battle.