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State Representative Leon Lillie
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-1188
For more information contact: Christina Gosack 651-296-5524
Column/LTE
Minnesota State Capitol Celebrates 100th Birthday
After reading the recent Perspectives article detailing the history and character of several of our neighboring state capitols, I couldn't help but write to share a few little-known facts about Minnesota's Capitol. As this year marks the 100th Anniversary of our Capitol building, it's a great time to consider the history of one of the state's most beautiful structures.
Like several of our neighbors, Minnesota's current Capitol is actually our third: the first, built in 1853 was destroyed by fire in 1881. The second, built shortly thereafter, was almost immediately considered too small and plans for the current building were set into motion.
After a competition between 40 architects, St. Paul resident Cass Gilbert was chosen to lead the project. Gilbert deliberately modeled the Capitol dome after St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. In fact, our Capitol dome is thought to be only one of four or five unsupported marble domes in the world. One of the most dazzling features of the building – the white Georgia marble covering the upper walls and dome – was a source of great controversy during the Capitol's construction. The idea of using stone from a state on the opposite side of the Civil War from Minnesota bothered some, so Gilbert sought compromise by using Minnesota-quarried sandstone and granite for the lower levels, steps and terraces. After overseeing the Minnesota Capitol, Gilbert went on to achieve fame as the architect of the Woolworth Building in New York City in 1913, the tallest building in the world when it was completed, and the U.S. Supreme Court in 1928.
Another striking feature of the Capitol is the sculpture Progress of the State, known as the "Quadriga" that sits at the base of the dome. The Quadriga depicts a four-horse chariot with figures, and is made of copper hammered around a steel frame, gilded with 23-½ carat gold leaf. Daniel Chester French, the sculptor of the Lincoln Memorial, designed the Quadriga.
Did you also know that:
· The Capitol $4.5 million to build - $90 million in today's dollars
· Nearly 100 items were placed in the cornerstone of the new building in 1898 to serve as markers of the time, including a bible, an American flag, newspapers from Minneapolis and St. Paul, photographs, and coins of the period.
· When Cass Gilbert designed the Capitol, he told his assistants that the building "must last 500 years."
· The Capitol took 14 years to complete, and 6 men died during its construction.
· The Capitol contains the Governor's office, the Minnesota Supreme Court, and the chambers of the Senate and House of Representatives
· Symbols of the state are scattered throughout the building – including a golden ladyslipper and the tops of columns, and a large star inlaid into the floor of the rotunda for the "North Star state"
Each time I enter the Capitol and the House chambers, I'm overwhelmed by what an honor it is to work in such a spectacular building. I invite all of you to come take a free tour of the Capitol – I'd gladly even take you on one myself. Special Capitol Centennial celebration events will continue through the end of the year. For more information about Capitol tours led by the Minnesota Historical Society, call the 651-296-2881 or check out the webpage at www.mnhs.org. Or call my office at 651-296-1188.
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