Capitol, Austin

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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.

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Completed in 1888, this building is constructed in the Renaissance Revival style. It is on a high point overlooking downtown Austin. Of course, since this IS Texas, it's slightly taller than its counterpart in Washington, DC.

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This is one of the more impressive state capitol buildings I have seen. Though similar in design to many others, it seems to be "Texas-sized" and overwhelming, standing taller than the US capitol building. Constructed between 1882 and 1888, this edifice features red granite quarried within the state.

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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!

The Texas Capitol building has been designated a National Historic Landmark The Texas Capitol stands the tallest in gross square footage of all state capitols. Only the National Capitol in Washington, D.C is larger.. However, the Texas Capitol stands higher than the United States National Capitol by about 15 feet.

Built in 1883, at that time, it was said to be the 7th largest building in the world! This is obviously the main attraction of the city.
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.

Texans are known for bragging but many travelers believe this is the most beautiful state capitol building in America. It was built in 1886 and carefully restored about a decade ago. I've been lucky enough to work here for more than 10 years.

Catch a free tour from the rotunda. There are several each hour during the day.

I'm kind of ashamed to say I haven't actually been inside the Capital for a long time (probably not since my Elementary School field trip), but the grounds of VERY nice. So, if you have the time to catch one of their many tours - Do! You'll be happy you did.

The grounds of the Capitol Building take up 46 acres of immaculate, landscaped grounds with shade trees and flowering gardens.

Terrys Texas Rangers monument and the Heroes of the Alamo monument stand on the North side.

The terrazzo tile floors on the first level, including the rotunda's Great Seal surrounded by the six seals of the countries whose flags have flown over Texas, were installed to celebrate the 1936 Texas Centennial. There are portraits of the Presidents of the Republic and Governors of the State which are on the walls circling the four public levels of the rotunda.

This shot is looking up into the dome. The dome walls and other interior walls are Texas limestone. The star, in the dome is approximately 218 ft above was installed in 1958. It measures 8ft from point to point.