Louisiana State Capitol
As the tallest state capitol in the United States, the
building is 450 feet tall with 34 floors. 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 cost to complete the building
was a modest $5 million. 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
"One From Many."
The grounds of the Capitol were once the home of the Louisiana
State University.
Because of the Depression, the cost of the Capitol was ten
percent less than projected. The savings were spent on the unique
Art Deco ornamentation that embellish the building.
Return to Louisiana Unit Study
Courtesy of State of Louisiana
