Kansas State Capitol
- npoelaert0
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
The Kansas State Capitol in Topeka is a monument to the state’s resilience, ambition, and rich history. Its origins trace back to 1861, when Kansas was admitted to the Union, and Topeka was chosen as the capital. The land for the Capitol was generously donated by Cyrus K. Holliday, a prominent figure in Topeka’s early development and co-founder of the Santa Fe Railroad. Construction on the East Wing began in 1866, using native limestone from Geary County, and the legislature first convened in the unfinished building in 1870. The Capitol’s construction was a monumental undertaking, spanning 37 years and facing numerous challenges, including harsh winters and financial constraints. The building was finally completed in 1903, at a cost of $3.2 million, and stands as one of the largest and most architecturally significant state capitols in the nation. Its design blends Renaissance and Classical Revival elements, featuring gleaming copper, 17 types of marble, crystal, granite, and gold leaf paint, all reflecting the determination and cultural richness of early Kansans.
The Capitol’s dome, rising 304 feet—taller than the U.S. Capitol—became a defining feature of the Topeka skyline. In 2002, a bronze statue of a Kansa warrior, named Ad Astra (from the state motto “To the Stars Through Difficulty”), was added atop the dome, further symbolizing the state’s pioneering spirit. Inside, the Capitol is adorned with historic murals, including the famous “Tragic Prelude” by Kansas-born artist John Steuart Curry, which vividly depicts abolitionist John Brown and the turbulent “Bleeding Kansas” era. The building also houses statues of notable Kansans and a replica of the Liberty Bell, underscoring its role as both a working government seat and a living museum of Kansas history. Recognized for its historical and architectural significance, the Capitol was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971 and continues to inspire visitors with its grandeur, symbolism, and enduring connection to the state’s past and present.
