These postcards of the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul were published by V. O. Hammon early in the twentieth century just a few years after this capitol building was completed.
Work began on this capitol in 1896, and construction was completed in 1905. It was designed by Cass Gilbert and modeled after Saint Peter's
Basilica in Rome. The unsupported marble dome is the second largest in
the world, after Saint Peter's. However, like all capitols with domes in
the US it is also inspired by the idea of domed capitols originating
with the United States Capitol dome. The capitol building houses the Minnesota Senate, Minnesota House of Representatives, the office of the Attorney General and the office of the Governor. The building also includes a chamber for the Minnesota Supreme Court, although court activities usually take place in the neighboring Minnesota Judicial Center.(source: Wikipedia)
This brief video tour of the capitol tells some of the history of the capitol and shows what it looks like now.
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That's an impressive building. I'm not sure I would want to chair meetings in those huge rooms.
ReplyDeleteCeilings depicting local history or featuring symbolic figures always impress me. The thought behind the design is inspirational.
ReplyDeleteThose meeting rooms with high domed ceilings were a blessing for speakers in the days before microphones as a voice could carry quite well - unless, of course, everyone else was trying to talk at the same time. Then you'd have a cacophony of indistinguishable sound impossible to be heard over which can happen more often than a speaker might wish. Then it's time for ye auld gavel.
ReplyDeleteGreat post and thanks for the informative video.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the history lesson. Always wondered about that capitol...well, not really, but if I had, it would have been good to get the real scoop.
ReplyDeleteMarvelous dome & awesome postcards. Old cards are great at illustrating history.
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful building. I'm always impressed by what people conceive in terms of design. Nine years - wouldn't it have been great to be part of that project and see it all come together?
ReplyDeleteThere must be something about the majesty of domes that makes governments and churches want to create them in this sort of public building.
ReplyDeleteA majestic building, with a very impressive rotunda.
ReplyDeleteThe Georgia State building also has a dome, covered in gold. I've never been inside and didn't even think about it when thinking of a a dome to do.
ReplyDeleteWhat a magnificent building and so impressive.
ReplyDeleteWhy does the Minnesota State Capitol need three US flags? Wouldn't one be enough? And where is the state flag? The retiring room has a fireplace to provide the smoke for legislators to hide in.
ReplyDeleteFascinating building. And I love the word "rotunda" which always makes me think of overweight cigar smoking politicians.
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