Austin, United States1 hoursAfternoon
Austin Texas Capitol
Ideal: Ideal for architecture, history, city walks, photography, and first-time Austin visitors.
Completed in 1888, its 94.6-meter height was no accident: standing about four meters taller than the federal Capitol in Washington was deliberate. Pink granite from Marble Falls was donated free, but the state had no cash, so contractors were paid with 1.2 million hectares in the Panhandle instead — land that became one of the country's largest ranches. In Austin surrounding building heights are capped by law so the dome stays visible from key viewpoints.
Quick facts
- Built
- 1885
- Opened
- 1888
- Architect
- Elijah E. Myers
- Architectural style
- Renaissance Revival architecture
- Heritage status
- National Historic Landmark
Facts from Wikidata, photos from Wikimedia Commons.
Why go?
- To see Texas' seat of government and state history
- For an impressive architectural landmark on a central Austin route
- Because it is free and easy to visit in a short time
Travel tip
The Capitol grounds are good for walks and photos — plan them with downtown Austin.
