The day after the visit to the Science Mill we went to Austin to see the Capitol. Kirby and Katie had been there on a field trip earlier this month but wanted to go back.

I can’t believe that this is the only photo I got of the capitol building from the outside. It anchors four blocks that are designated as Capitol Square. The brochure I picked up says that the original structure was completed in 1853. That one burned in 1881 and a new building was completed in 1887 with the Goddess of Liberty statue placed on the dome in 1888.

There is incredible detail in woodwork and fixtures throughout the building. I took only a few photos. These hinges are bronze and weigh over 7 pounds. I don’t know if they are on all doors, but I think maybe so.

We started our exploration with a tour. The guide first talked about the statues in the entryway and then we stopped here at the rotunda. This terrazo floor was installed to celebrate the 1936 Texas Centennial. The design shows the six seals of the countries whose flags have flown over Texas: the Kingdom of Spain, the Kingdom of France, the United Mexican States, the Republic of Texas, the Confederate States of America and the United States of America.

Looking up you see the dome, 218 feet above.

The star at the top is 8 feet across from point to point.

The Senate Chamber has original desks for the 31 senators with a modern update of a telephones on one leg.

The House of Representatives has 150 members and meets in the largest room in the building.

Kasen and Kirby in one of the meeting rooms that was open to wander through.

This level is below ground and the skylight shows a view of the dome and the Goddess of Liberty.

One of the hallways showing the floor design and the ornate carvings in the doorways as well as the columns and along the ceiling. This is a very interesting building to visit.

Texans do love their star.

Another star on the door knobs.

We walked around the grounds with the kids mostly wanting to chase squirrels. This is the Tejano Monument that, according to the brochure, “acknowledges the contributions of the Spanish and Mexican settlers to Texas history and culture”. It includes ten life-size statues that depict longhorn cattle, a sheep and a goat and the children tending to them.

We ended our tour at the Visitor Center which used to house the General Land Office and is the oldest state office building in Texas. Inside there are many exhibits featuring Texas history and culture. I had to take these photos (above and below) to send to my kids—the 1888 Texas capitol build with 65000 Lego bricks.

There is plenty more to see in Austin, but that will be for another trip. This makes me think about touring the California State Capitol. I’ll have to see what they offer.