Kentucky's New State Capitol
Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky
Marker Inscription
New Capitol. Gov. J. C. W. Beckham promoted construction of New Capitol due to overcrowding and disrepair in Old Capitol. Federal funds for Civil and Spanish-American War claims paid half of $1,820,000 cost. In 1904, Frank M. Andrews selected as architect. Cornerstone laid 1906. Capitol completed during Gov. A. E. Willson's term. Legislature met January; building dedicated June 1910. (Reverse) New Capitol - Building's style is neo-classic, with seventy Ionic monolithic columns. North pediment shows a heroine-Kentucky-with Progress, History, Law, Art, and Labor as attendants. French influence portrayed by dome and rotunda, designed like tomb of Napoleon, and white marble stairs with banisters, copies of those in Paris Opera House. Murals in east and west wings by Gilbert White.
Erected by Kentucky Historical Society
The Story
Championed by Gov. J. C. W. Beckham to relieve the overcrowded Old Capitol, this Beaux-Arts capitol was funded in part by federal war-claim reimbursements. Architect Frank M. Andrews was chosen in 1904, the cornerstone laid in 1906, and the building dedicated in June 1910. Its dome and rotunda echo Napoleon's tomb, and its marble stair recalls the Paris Opera House.
Why it matters
The capitol reflects the Progressive-era ambition of a maturing state to house its government in a grand, nationally styled seat of power.
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Related people
- · J. C. W. Beckham
- · Frank M. Andrews
- · Gilbert White
Themes & tags
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