23. Senate Kids Webpage
Tour of Capitol Building and Grounds
This is the Texas State Capitol located in Austin, Texas. It took six years to build this fantastic four-story
building which was finally finished in 1888 at a cost of over $3 million. The Governor, the Lieutenant
Governor, the Speaker of the House, Senators and Representatives all have their offices right here.
The building is pink in color because of the "Sunset Red" granite used to build it. In 1990, the
Capitol went through an extensive restoration and preservation project. Not only does the building
now have larger offices, security cameras, and other new additions, but it also has an Extension that
is completely underground!
Leading up to the Capitol's south doors is the Great Walk. This beautiful walkway is 25 feet wide,
500 feet long, and connects the Capitol to one of Austin's most important streets - Congress Avenue.
The Great Walk was completed in 1889 and is lined with breathtaking monuments and statues that
remember some of the most important moments and people in Texas history. The Capitol is
surrounded by lush grass and tall trees where you're sure to spot a squirrel or have the chance to
feed some birds!
One of the most notable monuments along the Great Walk commemorates the famous Battle of the
Alamo. Erected in 1891, the "Heroes of the Alamo" is one of the four earliest monuments that was
placed on Capitol grounds. It is made of pink granite and depicts images of battles scenes cast in
bronze. Atop the gazebo-like structure is a bronze statue resembling one of the mission's infantry
soldiers. Inscribed in the granite pillars are the names of the brave Texans that fought for Texas'
independence against Santa Anna's Mexican army. The bravery and heroism of the Texans that died
defending the Alamo encouraged other soldiers to fight victoriously in future battles and Texas
finally won its independence. "Remember the Alamo!"
At the top of the Capitol Dome is the striking Goddess of Liberty, one of the most famous Texas
statues. The original statue was cast in white bronze, weighs almost 3,000 pounds, and was placed
atop the Dome in 1888. She holds a sword in her right hand and a gilded star in her left which she
holds up to the sky. The Goddess stands 15 feet, 7 1/2 inches tall which is said to make the Texas
Capitol taller than the U.S. Capitol. In 1986, a replica of the statue made of aluminum replaced the
original. The original statue was restored and placed on display in the Texas Memorial Museum.
When you walk through the main entrance on the south side of the Capitol, you will find yourself in
