BackgroundKansas State CapitolThe Kansas State Capitol is located on a 20-acre tract in downtown Topeka. Cyrus K. Holliday donated what has become Capitol Square in 1862. The legislature accepted the donation that year and authorized E. Townsend Mix's building design of French Renaissance architecture with Corinthian composite details. Work began in 1866. The east wing cornerstone was laid October 17, 1866. Following a harsh winter in 1867, the cornerstone and foundation of the wing crumbled. Harder limestone from Geary County was used to replace the foundation and continue construction on the wing. The state offices were moved to the Capitol in 1869, the legislature met there in 1870, and the east wing was completed in 1873. Work on the west wing was begun in 1879; it was enclosed by 1880. The wing is four feet wider and six feet longer than the east wing. A covered wood bridge, called the Cave of the Winds," connected the two sides before the central building was in place. Construction began on the central building 1885 along with the remodeling of the Senate Chamber. The contract for the roof and dome was let in 1889. A crack, caused by settling of the foundation, was repaired in 1890. Thirty-seven years later, the Capitol building was complete. The total cost was $3,200,588.92. The Capitol is 399 feet north and south, 386 feet east and west, and 304 feet from the ground to the top of the cupola. The dome is 66 ½ feet in diameter at the bottom of the copper dome and 54 ½ feet from the beginning of the copper dome to the cupola floor. The cupola height is 23 ½ feet. The Capitol is located at 10th and Jackson, Topeka KS, 66612. The building is open 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday - Friday. The Kansas Historical Society administers the Kansas State Capitol Tour Center. Tours are given at 9:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m. Monday - Friday during the Legislative Session, the second week in January through May. From June through the first week in January, tours are given at 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m. Monday - Friday. The Capitol Museum Store is open 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. For additional information call the Capitol Tour Center at 785-296-3966. The Kansas Historical Society is headquartered at the Kansas History Museum & Library, 6425 SW Sixth Avenue, Topeka, KS 66615-1099; 785-272-8681, TTY 785-272-8683; www.kshs.org. The Kansas Historical Society does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission to, access to, or operation of its programs. The Society requests prior notification to accommodate individuals with special needs or disabilities. Contact: |
|
 |
