Photo Credit: Matthew Wilson
Nestled in the heart of Austin, the State Capitol holds a special place in the hearts of Texans statewide, embodying a significant part of our rich heritage. It stands proudly on the square originally designated for the Republic of Texas Capitol, symbolizing the culmination of hard work, wisdom, and determination that brought Texas into the Union.
The journey to the present Capitol began with the signing of the construction contract on January 1, 1882. A groundbreaking ceremony marked the commencement of construction on February 1, 1882, and the laying of the cornerstone took place on March 2, 1885, at the northeast corner of the Capitol. A dedication ceremony in May 1888 preceded the arrival of the first occupants in September of the same year. Finally, on December 8, 1888, the Capitol was officially completed after six years and ten months of meticulous construction.
Crafted by the renowned Detroit architect E. E. Myers, who also designed the Michigan and Colorado Capitols, the Texas Capitol sprawls across three acres, boasting approximately 18 acres of floor space or 192,374 square feet of available office space. Standing at 566 feet in length, 288 feet in width, and 302.64 feet from grade line to the top of the star on the Goddess of Liberty atop the dome, it outshines the National Capitol in Washington, D.C., rising 14.64 feet above its counterpart.
Constructed with Texas red granite from Marble Falls for its exterior walls and Texas limestone for the interior, the Capitol is topped with a copper roof spanning 85,000 square feet. The original floors, made of hand-blocked clay tile, glass, and wood, were replaced in 1936 with a terrazzo floor of mostly Texas marble aggregate to commemorate the centennial of Texas Independence. The interior walls are adorned with nearly seven miles of wainscoting made of oak, pine, cherry, cedar, walnut, and mahogany. Oak or pine frames grace doors and windows, except for the cherry frames in the Governor’s Reception Room.
The Capitol Extension, an underground addition connected to the main Capitol, became a permanent part of the structure. Opened to the public on January 11, 1993, the Extension features skylights known as light courts, flooding the building with natural light and offering breathtaking views of the Capitol dome. Most office suites open onto the light court, enhancing the overall spaciousness. The Extension also houses 16 committee hearing rooms, 8 conference rooms, a sizable auditorium, cafeteria, and a gift shop, catering to various functions and needs within its walls. Each hearing room accommodates 75 to 100 people, providing space for wheelchairs and media coverage, while the auditorium, seating around 350 people, is perfect for larger gatherings.
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