Stories - Cave

Over the course of the Kansas State Capitol's history, rumors have circulated that a cave exists under the structure. The rumors are not necessarily true. The same process that makes stalactites and stalagmites is at work under the south steps of the capitol. An area used to house trash bins and store materials for the ground-keeping crews did 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.