The Louisiana "New" State Capitol

The Louisiana "New" State Capitol was completed in March of 1932. It cost approximately 5 million dollars to build and took 14 months to complete. It is the tallest state capitol in the United States and is 34 stories (450 feet) tall and sits on 27 acres of land. Twenty-five hundred rail cars were needed to bring in the limestone used on the exterior and the interior marbles which came from distant places, including Vermont and Italy. The architects used symbolism throughout the design of the building. As the square tower rises, it is cut away to an octagon at the 22nd floor. At this point four allegorical winged figures guard the corners and they represent Law, Science, Philosophy and Art. The entrance is approached by a grand staircase with one step for each of the 48 states, listed in the order of their admittance to the Union. Alaska and Hawaii were added to the top step when they were made states. The top step is carved with E Pluribus Unum from the Great Seal of the United States; it means "Out of Many One". The Observation Deck located on the 27th floor overlooks Baton Rouge at a height of 350 feet. The views are spectacular. To the east are formal rose gardens and a well-preserved Arsenal, constructed in 1835. To the west, the Mississippi flows majestically toward the Gulf. To the north is Louisiana's prosperous and economically important chemical corridor and in the distance stands Southern University. To the south are the capitol gardens with the grave and statue of Huey P. Long. Louisiana State University can be seen in the distance.

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