Pennsylvania State Capitol (1906)
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania USA • Pennsylvania’s Capitol is, first and foremost, a public building belonging to the citizens of the Commonwealth. It is also a priceless architectural and artistic treasure, a majestic symbol of history and power, and an icon of democracy and freedom.
When President Theodore Roosevelt attended the dedication of the building on October 4, 1906, he said, “This is the handsomest building I ever saw.” The Capitol was designed in the American Renaissance style by Philadelphia architect Joseph Miller Huston (1866-1940), who envisioned the building as a “Palace of Art.” – From the official website of the Capitol.
☞ The Pennsylvania State Capitol building is an example of Renaissance Revival architecture as defined through Beaux Arts Classicism. It also reflects an outstanding collaboration between architect, artist, sculptor, and craftsman, seeking to develop a true unity and singleness of purpose. Murals by Edward Austin Abbey and Violet Oakley, sculptures by George Grey Bernard, floor tiles by Henry Chapman Mercer, and stained glass by William Brantley Van Ingen, adorn the building with historic depictions of the history of Pennsylvania. During the period that witnessed a national movement to build monumental state capitols, the Pennsylvania State Capitol emerged as a perfect example of the American Renaissance influence on government buildings. The design of the Capitol shows direct influence of the Europe and the Chicago Columbian Exposition of 1893, as well as the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., and the Boston Public Library by McKim, Mead and White. – From the NPS Statement of Significance.
☞ On September 14, 1977, the National Park Service added this building and District to the National Register of Historic Places (#77001162).
☞ On September 20, 2006, the National Park Service designated this structure and District as a National Historic Landmark.
National Historic Landmarks are nationally significant historic places designated by the Secretary of the Interior because they possess exceptional value or quality in illustrating or interpreting the heritage of the United States. Today, fewer than 2,500 historic places bear this national distinction, [and only 17 in Vermont ]. Working with citizens throughout the nation, the National Historic Landmarks Program draws upon the expertise of National Park Service staff who work to nominate new landmarks and provide assistance to existing landmarks.
National Historic Landmarks are exceptional places. They form a common bond between all Americans. While there are many historic places across the nation, only a small number have meaning to all Americans--these we call our National Historic Landmarks. – from the National Park Service.
• More Info: GeoHack: 40°15′52″N 76°52′0″W.
☞ More photos of this and other National Historical Landmarks.
Pennsylvania State Capitol (1906)
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania USA • Pennsylvania’s Capitol is, first and foremost, a public building belonging to the citizens of the Commonwealth. It is also a priceless architectural and artistic treasure, a majestic symbol of history and power, and an icon of democracy and freedom.
When President Theodore Roosevelt attended the dedication of the building on October 4, 1906, he said, “This is the handsomest building I ever saw.” The Capitol was designed in the American Renaissance style by Philadelphia architect Joseph Miller Huston (1866-1940), who envisioned the building as a “Palace of Art.” – From the official website of the Capitol.
☞ The Pennsylvania State Capitol building is an example of Renaissance Revival architecture as defined through Beaux Arts Classicism. It also reflects an outstanding collaboration between architect, artist, sculptor, and craftsman, seeking to develop a true unity and singleness of purpose. Murals by Edward Austin Abbey and Violet Oakley, sculptures by George Grey Bernard, floor tiles by Henry Chapman Mercer, and stained glass by William Brantley Van Ingen, adorn the building with historic depictions of the history of Pennsylvania. During the period that witnessed a national movement to build monumental state capitols, the Pennsylvania State Capitol emerged as a perfect example of the American Renaissance influence on government buildings. The design of the Capitol shows direct influence of the Europe and the Chicago Columbian Exposition of 1893, as well as the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., and the Boston Public Library by McKim, Mead and White. – From the NPS Statement of Significance.
☞ On September 14, 1977, the National Park Service added this building and District to the National Register of Historic Places (#77001162).
☞ On September 20, 2006, the National Park Service designated this structure and District as a National Historic Landmark.
National Historic Landmarks are nationally significant historic places designated by the Secretary of the Interior because they possess exceptional value or quality in illustrating or interpreting the heritage of the United States. Today, fewer than 2,500 historic places bear this national distinction, [and only 17 in Vermont ]. Working with citizens throughout the nation, the National Historic Landmarks Program draws upon the expertise of National Park Service staff who work to nominate new landmarks and provide assistance to existing landmarks.
National Historic Landmarks are exceptional places. They form a common bond between all Americans. While there are many historic places across the nation, only a small number have meaning to all Americans--these we call our National Historic Landmarks. – from the National Park Service.
• More Info: GeoHack: 40°15′52″N 76°52′0″W.
☞ More photos of this and other National Historical Landmarks.