PHOTO: Virginia's state capitol was commissioned by Thomas Jefferson. (Courtesy of Thinkstock)

Looking to add some U.S. history to your travels?  Then a trip to these state capitols might just be the best places to get started.  Yes, their rooms are typically filled with political jargon, but once the dust has settled they become open history books with exquisitely decorated pages.  We’ve found five that may be to your liking because their unique appearances offer something every architecture-obsessed history buff can enjoy.

Iowa State Capitol

Iowa State Capitol flaunts four striking domes that surround a huge golden one that is comprised of 23-karat gold. This makes it a rich architectural gem, but gives it a distinguished look because it is the only capitol building in the U.S. to boast this many domes. 

To top off its impressive exterior, the second floor houses Iowa’s law library.  With volumes containing intriguing court stories preserved in glossy chestnut bookcases, exploring many of its hard-to-reach books require a climb up the library’s beautiful spiral staircases.

Virginia State Capitol

The Virginia State Capitol may seem like a modest version of The White House or the nation’s other state capitols for that matter, but its white décor and colossal columns made a bold statement when Thomas Jefferson commissioned a French architect to design the building. 

Its classic Romanesque appearance was specifically created to oppose British rule in Jefferson’s protest for independence as well as incorporate his admiration for the ancient Roman building Maison Carree, a landmark he became in awe of on a trip to France.  There’s also a well-preserved statue of the president found inside.

Pennsylvania State Capitol

Although the Pennsylvania State Capitol is located in Harrisburg, it exudes Europe with a landscape bathed in Renaissance and Beaux-Arts style.  Intended to be a “Palace of Art” by its designer Joseph Huston, it has indeed exceeded expectations with a Michelangelo-inspired 272-foot dome; the beautiful Senate Chamber accentuated with French murals and furnishings; as well as the Italian textures elegantly decorating the House Chamber. 

But before visitors are showered with the exotic decorations of the capitol building’s interior, they must first climb the grand staircase that evokes the feeling of a night at the opera.

New Mexico State Capitol

Affectionately called the “Roundhouse,” the New Mexico State Capitol is a treat for the eyes; especially because it is the only one in the country to boast a circular shape that mirrors the Zia Sun symbol when viewed overhead.  However, visitors don’t have to dangle in the sky to see the artistic creativity of this architectural gem come alive. 

Inside unfolds as an exhibit that pays homage to local artists.  Due to the shape of the building there is ample room for its walls to transform as art galleries where contemporary pieces or talents like Tucumcari are just as captivating as New Mexico’s long road to becoming the 47^th state.

Louisiana State Capitol

You won’t find a dome topping the Louisiana State Capitol, and you may have to step a few feet back to capture its majesty which makes visiting this Louisiana staple all the worthwhile.  Towering at astounding 450 feet, it easily has made its way to becoming the tallest of its kind in the U.S. and makes no apologies for completely standing out among its counterparts.

Comprised of 34 floors interwoven with art deco that exemplify the state’s colorful history, the property also houses the memorial to Huey P. Long, the governor who officially envisioned this masterpiece and unfortunately died in the building.