"STORIES FROM THE KANSAS STATE CAPITOL: IS THERE A CAVE UNDER THE CAPITOL STEPS?"

A Moment in Time

Kansas Historical Society

April 2001, Part 7 of 10

By Eldon Harding

A monthly series from the Kansas Historical Society

Well, not exactly. The same process that makes stalactite and stalagmites is at work under the south steps of the Kansas State Capitol. The area which currently is used to house trash bins and store materials for the ground-keeping crews does have straw-shaped stalactite formations hanging from the ceiling.

The steps leading to the second floor are supported by huge concrete pads. These pads stretch across the limestone walls of the foundation forming a storage room the entire width of the steps. The pads were poured in sections butted against one another. Each seam forms a fissure allowing water to drip from the steps above. The water carries particles of lime from the concrete with it and over the years, small stalactites have formed from the lime deposits. In the less accessible areas, some of the stalactites are as much as a foot long. Because of the foot traffic in the area, no stalagmites have been able to form.

Both the east and west steps have similar hollow areas and were, presumably, constructed in the same manner. They are, however, enclosed. It makes one wonder if there are larger stalactites and, perhaps, some stalagmites in these undisturbed areas.

Another natural phenomenon may lay underground near where the west and south wings of the capitol meet. It has been said that, when digging the foundation for the Kansas State Capitol, a natural spring was discovered. There is an elevator near that point. The elevator shaft runs into or very near the place that was identified. Some say that at night, or when the building is quiet, one can often hear the water running.

To learn more stories about the Kansas State Capitol, join a free guided tour at 9:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m. or 3:00 p.m. Monday - Friday. The Capitol is located at 300 W. Tenth Topeka KS 66612; 785-296-3966; www.kshs.org. To reach the Capitol in downtown Topeka take exit 362B I-70 and follow the signs. During the legislative session, January through May, parking is limited.

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