Lifestyle

Kids Can Tour the Texas State Capitol Building Virtually

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Tony Maples Photography

 

In keeping with the growing opportunities for online viewings and virtual tours, the Texas SenateKids website offers extensive tour and virtual viewing options of the Texas State Capitol building in Austin. Completed in 1888, this beautiful piece of Lone Star State history houses the offices and chambers of the Texas Legislature and the Governor. During this time of social distancing and the closure of tours due to COVID-19 and the Coronavirus pandemic, virtually touring this amazing piece of Texas history is a true blessing.

Construction of this Texas Hill Country-based monument to our governance was completed over six years. In 1970, the Texas State Capitol building was added to the National Register of Historic Places, and in 1993, a $75 million underground extension to the north plaza was constructed as an addition.

Kids Can Tour the Texas State Capitol Building Virtually

Photo: envato elements

Some quick facts about this building include:

  1. It’s the sixth tallest state capitol in America
  2. It’s one of only a few which were constructed taller than the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C.
  3. It’s the third building to serve its purpose (the second was destroyed in the great capitol fire of 1881)
  4. The construction crews consisted, for the most part, of migrant workers and convicts.
  5. The building’s cornerstone was laid on Texas Independence Day (March 2, 1885)

When it was completed, the Texas State Capitol building was opened to the public San Jacinto Day (April 21, 1888). The owners of Granite Mountain, in nearby Marble Falls, donated the granite which is seen on its exterior today. A restoration project took place for the interior and east wing, from 1983 to 1993, as a result of damages it sustained from another fire.

Kids Can Tour the Texas State Capitol Building Virtually

Photo: envato elements

If your family is looking for points of interest here in Texas that they wish to see online, the Texas SenateKids website also provides details regarding the history of the Texas State Capitol. Although it’s not the same as experiencing first-hand all of the statues and paintings on-site, as well as the well-manicured grounds, this truly breathtaking marvel of Texas architecture is almost as impressive online. For a unique bit of family time in which the younger ones can learn something new, the Texas SenateKids online portal is a great place to start!