Austin, TX

Texas State Capitol in Austin

Address: 1100 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701 - MAP
Phone: (512) 463-0063
Web: www.tspb.state.tx.us

The breathtaking beauty and unusual construction of the Texas State Capitol is truly the stuff of legends in the Lone Star State. As one of the nation's tallest capitols, the Texas Capitol is a marvel of late 19th century architecture, with its round arches, central dome and symmetrical design.

Originally completed in 1888 from the winning design in a national competition, the Texas Capitol was constructed with local materials unique to the Texas Hill Country. Sunset red granite forms the exterior walls, and the foundation is constructed from local limestone. The state paid for construction with 3 million acres of public land in the Texas Panhandle, which would later become the famous XIT Ranch.

The Capitol opened to the public on San Jacinto Day, April 21, 1888. Since then, it has undergone extensive renovations for maintenance and beautification.

A $75 million underground extension in 1993 essentially doubled the square footage of the building. In 1995, a $98 million restoration of the interior and exterior was completed. Then, in 1997, the gardens and walkways surrounding the Capitol were given an $8 million facelift.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1970, the Texas Capitol is a popular tourist attraction. Besides touring the building, visitors can view many artifacts of Texas history including the original flag from the Battle of San Jacinto, historical paintings and some of the original Senator desks from 1888.

Free walking tours of the Capitol are given daily (except on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Day and Easter) and begin at the south entrance.