Austin Landmarks Texas Capitol Building

By Enkay

The Texas Capitol Building, located in downtown Austin, is an iconic landmark and an architectural masterpiece that is steeped in history and culture. It serves as the seat of government for the state of Texas and houses the offices and chambers of the governor, lieutenant governor, and the Texas Legislature. The building was completed in 1888 and has since become a symbol of Texan pride and heritage.

Designed by architect Elijah E. Myers, the Texas Capitol Building is an excellent example of Renaissance Revival architecture. The exterior of the building is made of pink granite, quarried from nearby Marble Falls, and the iconic dome that crowns the building stands 308 feet tall, making it taller than the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C. The interior of the building is adorned with murals, paint- ings, and sculptures that celebrate the history and culture of Texas.

One of the most striking features of the Texas Capitol Building is the central rotunda, which is located directly beneath the dome. The rotunda is 218 feet tall and 75 feet in diameter and is adorned with eight portraits of famous Texans, including Davy Crockett, Sam Houston, and Stephen F. Austin. The walls of the rotunda are covered with intricate murals that depict significant moments in Texas history, such as the Battle of San

Jacinto and the signing of the Texas Declaration of Independence.

Another notable feature of the Texas Capitol Building is the Senate Chamber, which is lo- cated on the second floor of the building. The chamber is decorated with marble columns and oak paneling and features a large mural depicting the surrender of Santa Anna at the Battle of San Jacinto. The chamber is also adorned with portraits of past Texas governors and senators.

The House of Representatives Chamber, located on the third floor of the building, is another stunning example of the building’s ar-