Oregon State Capitol Essay

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Oregon State Capitol Jessica Ridderbusch Arts/100 11/26/2012 Doris Doyon `Oregon State Capitol After a lot of thought and consideration of the different buildings and attractions here in the Willamette Valley, I have decided to discuss our very own State Capitol. On the night of April 25, 1935, the capitol was destroyed by a fire that speeds quickly from the bottom story up through dome-supporting column shafts. An investigation determined that the fire was accidental and that it originated in the storeroom-service area in the basement of the east entrance wing. Officials wasted no time preparing plans for the new building. The Designed by Francis Keally with the New York firm of Trowbridge & Livingston and dedicated on October 1,…show more content…
With the Pioneer the building is 168 feet tall. Large sculptures are on both sides of the entrances. Leo Friedlander used Vermont marble to create Lewis, Clark and Sacagawea on the right and Pioneers with a covered wagon and a map of the Oregon Trail on the left. To enter the building there is two sets of low, terraced steps which lead you to three huge spinning doors that are made of customized bronze. In case of an emergency an outer shell will cover these entry ways. Oh, and did I mention that these doors can outlast a blast from a tank. The exterior is constructed of reinforced concrete and brilliant white Vermont marble. The Capitol building and the Oregon State library were connected by underground tunnels used for electricity and heating purposes. Polished rose travertine stone line the rotunda, lobby and halls on the first floor. As you enter the rotunda you will notice the state seal embedded on the floor. The seal and Pioneer were sculpted by Ulric Ellerhausen. The rotunda walls are covered with four murals that represent pieces of Oregon history. The senate is on the left side of the building and the house is on the right. A grand staircase, made from Phoenix Napoleon marble and Radio Black marble borders, is on each side of the rotunda and will take you up to chambers. It’s hard not to get drawn to the black outline

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