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When strollling through Austin, it's virtually impossible to miss the tall, imposing dome of the Capitol Building.
Atop the dome rests a 16 foot tall Goddess of Liberty with a five pointed star in her hand (pic #4). This Renaissance Revival-style building was completed in 1888 and features a red granite exterior.
Our footsteps echoed throughout the cavernous hallways as we toured the edifice. We noticed fine detailed carvings circling doorways, etched glass door panels and colorful marble floors, all adding a touch of elegance to our state capitol.
An almost life-size portrait of Davy Crockett hangs in the rotunda, while sculptures of Sam Houston and Stephen F. Austin by Elizabeth Ney grace the entry.
Each floor accessed by stairs or elevator rose towards the elaborate domed ceiling, which was highlighted by the star of Texas. Each level opened to view the dome above and Governor's gallery below, where portraits of Presidents of the Republic of Texas or Governors of the state were represented.
A docent guided us to the state Senate (pic #2) and House of Representatives (pic #3) Chambers, noted by the gilded letters marking their chamber doors. Portraits of famous Texans, such as, LBJ and earlier leaders peer down from the walls of these historic rooms.
We were impressed to learn that the original wood desks from the 1800's once used by the first State Senators are still being utilized with a few modifications: telephones, microphones and electronic voting buttons.
A visitors center offered maps and information. Guided tours can be scheduled on Mon.-Fri. 8:30 am-4:30 pm; Sat. 9:30 am-3:30 pm and Sun. noon-3:30 pm.except during legislative sessions and other events. There is no charge for admission.
The Capitol gift shop provided several souvenirs to take home for our family and was stocked with all sorts of interesting items.
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 by Djinn76
Austin is the capital of the Texas state and this building is the heart of the political institutions.
You can walk around the nice park but make sure you also have a look inside. This is free and definitely worth it. The first thing you will see is the main hall, the dome from inside is really impressive. This building is indeed similar to the Washington capitol but it is even taller (311feet)!!
You will also be able to walk through the room where the Senate Chamber and the House of Representatives hold their meetings. Leave a Comment
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 Texas Capitol Building Austin by SmileyLeSaLeave a Comment Directions: Downtown Austin. Large Pink Granite Building. You can't miss it.
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The Capitol Building sits on nearly twenty-two acres of grounds encircled by a sturdy iron fence. Within the fenced area sits many monuments commemorating historic events. (Please enlarge photo to see entire sculpture)
As the expansive lawn and walkway spreads out before the Capitol, four of its oldest monuments can be seen:
(pic #1) The Heroes of the Alamo by artist, J.S. Clark
(pic #2) Volunteer Firemen by artist Pompeo Coppini
(pic #3) Confederate Soldiers by FrankTeich
(pic #4) Terry's Texas Rangers by Pompeo Coppini and Frank Teich
A pretty fountain surrounded by flowers sits mid-way along the Great Walk, which leads to the main street, Congress Avenue. Benches and period lighting were reproduced to add an authentic flavor for the enjoyment of the public.
Cannons from 1864-1865 punctuate the park-like setting, while immense trees, whose heavy branches kiss the ground, provide shade here and there, a respite from the heat.
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Whenever I visit a new state I like stopping by the state capitol because it's always a good starting point to learn more about the history and culture of the place - and because tours are free! Completed in 1888, the state capitol in Austin is the largest of all US state capitols (everything's bigger in Texas, right?) and, of course, the Texas Lone Star is on full display in and around the building! Leave a Comment Phone: 512-463-0063Directions: In downtown Austin, at the top of Congress AvenueWebsite: www.tspb.state.tx.us
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In a state where just about everything is BIG, the Texas Statehouse is huge - larger in gross square footage than any other state capitol in America. In height it exceeds the United States Capitol Building in Washington D.C. by 15 feet.
Rising majestically from one of the highest points in Austin, the Texas Capitol is an extraordinary example of late 19th century public architecture and is widely recognized as one of the nation's most distinguished state capitols. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1970 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1986 for its "significant contribution to American history."
The Capitol building, in the Renissance Revival style, was completed in 1888 as the winning design from a national competition. The exterior of the building is "sunset red" granite, quarried just 50 miles from the site. Texas paid for the construction not in dollars, but in land: some three million acres in the Texas Panhandle that would later become the famous XIT Ranch.
A $75 million underground Capitol Extension was completed in 1993, doubling the square footage of the Capitol complex and providing room for more rampant government growth. In 1995, a comprehensive interior and exterior restoration of the original building was completed at a cost of approximately $98 million. The park-like grounds surrounding the Capitol underwent an $8 million renovation and restoration in 1997. Much of this expansion took place during the administration of then Governor George W. Bush, who had never been timid about spending the taxpayer's money. Leave a Comment
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 Texas State Capitol by scott_txguyLeave a Comment Address: Center of downtown. On Congress AveDirections: You can't miss it, it is very tall.
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 Remains of the Old Texas
Capitol by Stephen-KarenConn, 2 more photos
The ruins only amount to a few remains of the old foundation. However, there are about eight Texas historic markers at this site honoring not only the old capitol but also key figures in Texas history.
After the current capitol building opened in 1888, classes for the Austin High School were held in the old capitol for about a dozen years - until the first Austin High School building was completed in 1900. The old capitol was razed in 1899 and bricks from it were used in construction projects throughout Austin. Leave a Comment Address: Congress Ave & 11th St., Austin, TX 78701Directions: On the State Capitol Grounds, near the current Capitol building.Website: http://www.tspb.state.tx.us/
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 by deeper_blueLeave a Comment
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 Capital Bldg by V_MinxLeave a Comment
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