Texas State Capitol, Austin (must see)

The Texas State Capitol, located in downtown Austin, is a significant historical and architectural landmark. It serves as the seat of government for the state of Texas, housing the offices and chambers of the Texas Legislature and the Governor of Texas. The Capitol was designed by architect Elijah E. Myers and constructed between 1882 and 1888 under the supervision of civil engineer Reuben Lindsay Walker. In 1970, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places, and in 1986, it was designated as a National Historic Landmark.

Architecturally, the Capitol is an exemplar of the Italian Renaissance Revival style. It is constructed primarily from limestone sourced from Pecan Point quarries and sandstone from nearby Barton Creek. Remarkably, the Texas State Capitol is 302.64 feet (92.24 meters) tall, making it the sixth-tallest state capitol and one of several taller than the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C.

The Texas State Capitol proudly stands on a hill, providing a picturesque view over downtown Austin. The building has undergone several modifications over the years, incorporating various additions, including a prominent dome that crowns a rotunda. This dome, designed by architect Elijah Ealy Clark, is a notable feature of the Capitol.

The rotunda showcases portraits of all individuals who have held the position of President in the Republic of Texas or served as Governor of the State of Texas. In the southern foyer, you can find sculptures of Sam Houston and Stephen F. Austin, which were created by Elisabeth Ney. Interestingly, the rotunda also functions as a whispering gallery.

The Capitol itself is quite spacious, spanning 360,000 square feet (33,000 square meters), which is more extensive than any other state capitol building in the country. It sits on a land area of 2.25 acres and boasts nearly 400 rooms along with over 900 windows.

Strategically positioned, the Texas State Capitol demarcates the State Capitol Mall from downtown Austin. Open to the public, it stands as a testament to the state's history, especially its construction during an economic downturn caused by an agricultural depression. The Capitol's construction was funded through state bonds instead of taxes.