Bacon's Rebellion

Democracy Thrives in Sunlight

Capitol Fortress

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by

Dick Hall-Sizemore
in

Virginia General Assembly Building (new)

by Dick Hall-Sizemore

With the opening of the new General Assembly Building this month came other reminders of how the world has changed.

It was not that long ago that staff and tourists could walk unimpeded into the Capitol building. One could drive into the circle beyond the gate fronting on Grace Street to pick someone up or drop off a passenger. One could drive on the street between Capitol Square and Old City Hall and even park there on weekends (so long as one did not park in Senate Clerk Susan Schar’s space).

First, it was the Capitol. Visitors without a State ID now have to trek down the hill and enter through an underground entrance and then walk back up several flights of stairs to get to the interior of the Capitol.

Now, the area has the look of a fortress. There is a large gatehouse at the Grace Street entrance along with a large iron gate. The street entrances off Broad St. have gates manned by Capitol Police.

This is not meant to be a criticism. It is a lamentation over the realities of the present era.

Capitol Square, main entrance fronting Grace St.
Capitol Square, street entrance off Broad St., next to General Assembly Building
Capitol Square, street exit onto Broad St.

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11 responses to “Capitol Fortress”

  1. Acbar Avatar
    Acbar

    Used to work at 7th St, and for lunch we’d sometimes stroll over to the grill in the Capitol basement, then carry our food outside to eat on a bench and feed the squirrels, or visit the State Library across Governor St to read the latest Virginia Cavalcade.

    No longer.

    1. James Wyatt Whitehead Avatar
      James Wyatt Whitehead

      Virginia Cavalcade. Great stories on Virginia history.

      1. Acbar Avatar
        Acbar

        Yes, it’s a shame that public funding for that fine little magazine was killed by the GA..

    2. Dick Hall-Sizemore Avatar
      Dick Hall-Sizemore

      “Chicken’s” was legendary. Great limeades.

      1. James Wyatt Whitehead Avatar
        James Wyatt Whitehead

        I have eaten there. Pre tunnel. It was awesome! Very old school.

  2. Nancy Naive Avatar
    Nancy Naive

    Not a cop…
    https://assets-c3.propublica.org/images/articles/_threeTwo1200w/20210119-statecaps-3×2.jpg

    Wisconsin, Michigan, Utah… those are the invasions of capitols that I remember.

  3. Stephen Haner Avatar
    Stephen Haner

    Since I dropped my clients and stopped registering as a lobbyist, I’ve learned that life within that complex is sooooo much better if you have that badge. But I will get down on some quiet day and explore the new building, always — being a Virginian — remembering how much I liked the old one. Without the smell of mold and asbestos it just won’t be the same.

  4. Kathleen Smith Avatar
    Kathleen Smith

    I loved feeding the squirrels on the bench near the red striped roses and fountain. I would have a bologna sandwich and lemonade. The best!

    1. Nancy Naive Avatar
      Nancy Naive

      Wait! Did you never go inside?! I should think that would permanently ruin ones taste for baloney!

      1. how_it_works Avatar
        how_it_works

        Don’t need to go inside the capitol for the baloney in this state to ruin one’s appetite for it.

  5. Drive-by Commentator Avatar
    Drive-by Commentator

    Thanks to Republicons and their masters in the NRA anyone regardless of mental state or criminal background who can shove a few dollars across the counter can own a military-grade weapon, or a pistol and can get a concealed carry permit.

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