Texas State Capitol

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Whatever you may think of Texas politics (and to me they stink to high heaven), the Texas State Capitol, located in the center of Austin, is a monumental edifice worthy of immense respect and admiration. 

After the LBJ Presidential Library, I headed over to the Texas State Capitol. Designed in 1881 by architect Elijah E. Myers, it was constructed from 1882 to 1888 under the direction of civil engineer Reuben Lindsay Walker. The Capitol was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970 and recognized as a National Historic Landmark in 1986.

After getting checked for weapons (I thought Texas politicians were all for gun rights except in their house?), I walked around a bit and waited for an official guided tour to start at 12:15. However, when the tour started, I couldn't understand a single word the tour guide was saying, so I quietly slipped away and did the self-guided tour (as did another couple who said the same thing - she told her husband she couldn't understand what the guide was saying and he agreed).

Looking up into the dome
The Senate chamber
The House chamber
Surrender at Santa Anna hanging in the South Foyer




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