State Capitol Gardens

State Capitol Gardens is a garden which surrounds the Capitol Park, including trees from around the world. Home of the California Legislature since 1869, the State Capitol underwent a major renovation that restored much of the building's original look. Visitors can tour the offices of the Secretary of State, Treasurer, and Governor of the State of California. The building features exhibits and tours - and possibly an opportunity to watch the legislators debate a bill or cast a vote. Capitol Park features memorials to significant events involving California: 1.  A Civil War Memorial Grove planted in 1897 with saplings from famous Civil War battlefields. 2.  A life-sized statue of Father Junípero Serra, a Roman Catholic missionary sent by Spain to help colonize California.  At its base is a map of California's 21 missions, from San Diego to Sonoma. 3.  The California Vietnam Veterans Memorial, with bronze statues of service men and women depicting military life in Vietnam and featuring engravings of names of Californians killed or missing in action.