|
Photograph © Wayne Lorentz
Photograph © Wayne Lorentz
Photograph © Wayne Lorentz
Photograph © Wayne Lorentz
|
|
|
Built:
1931- 1932
Cost: $5,000,000.00, which is $4,000,000.00 over the initial estimate.
Designed by: Weiss, Dreyfous, and Seiferth.
Type: Skyscraper
Stories: 34
City: Baton Rouge
State: Louisiana
|
A
t 34 stories, this is the tallest state capitol in the United States, and joined Nebraska's state capitol in breaking the dome-and-column mold used by almost every other state. It also has the world's most annoying staircase. Approaching from the front, it is an optical illusion making you imagine a quick jaunt up a couple of steps to the door. But there are actually 48 steps, one for each of the states in the Union at that time, divided into section. As you get to the top of each section, you think you're done, but there's still another section ahead. An enthusiastic sprint quickly turns to frustration as it appears no progress is being made. Reaching the top of the steps you can examine the frieze that wraps around the sandstone building illustrating Louisiana's history. There are also two monuments designed by Lorado Taft and sculpted by C. M. Dodd. On the left, pioneers; on the right, a soldier and two figures mourning a slain warrior. Above the door is a quote from the Louisiana Purchase, when the Untied States bought the Louisiana territory from France in 1803. It reads, "We have lived long but this is the noblest work of our whole lives. The United States take rank today among the first powers of the world." That heritage is reflected inside where 12 flags represent the eight nations that have ruled this land: Castile and Leon, France, Spain, England, Republic of West Florida, nation of Louisiana, United States of America, and Confederate States of America. Revered inside Louisiana, and seen as a more dubious character outside the Pelican State, Governor Huey P. Long is the man responsible for this building. Had anyone else thought of it, the project never would have gotten off the ground. He managed to convince people during the Great Depression that building a new state capitol was a good idea. More importantly, he directly controlled the funds needed for design, and once underway there was no point in stopping the project. The people of Louisiana never got a chance to vote on the issue. Ironically, his great work was also his undoing: Long was assassinated inside the new building in 1935. There is a plaque in the House Chamber where he was shot. He is buried on the capitol grounds.
**Some of the interior marble came from as far away as Italy.
**The desks in the Senate chamber are made partly from Australian laurel wood.
**There are four statues on the 22nd floor exterior representing Law, Science, Philosophy, and Art.
**When built, it was the tallest building in the South and one of the few with central air conditioning.
**Some of the oak trees on the capitol grounds are so old, and so treasured, that their limbs are held up by steel cables.
**It may simply be an accident of geography, or intentional planning, but driving west on Interstate 10, away from Baton Rouge, you can see the state capitol in your rearview mirror for miles peeking over the horizon at you. Too bad the freeway isn't a few hundred meters north, then you could see the building as you approach the city.
|
|
|
