This limestone Greek Revival state capitol is located on a hill overlooking the city. It can be observed from all sides. It is one of the first buildings in the nation with structural iron roof trusses.  At the gable ends are porticos with eight Ionic columns and undecorated pediments. At the middle of the two sides are shallow porticos with six columns. The basement is rusticated. Instead of a dome, Strickland designed a rusticated square base for the circular lantern. The porticos were modelled on the Erechtheum on the Acropolis in Athens while the tower is based on the Choragic monument of Lysicrates in Athens.