Contemporary Uses: The Pennsylvania State Capitol

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Contemporary Uses:

The Pennsylvania State Capitol

Pennsylvania has a wide variety of beautiful historical buildings that reflect many different styles of architecture. They include historical homes, unique covered bridges, government buildings, and breathtaking churches. Some of Pennsylvania’s most recognized examples of great architecture are Frank Lloyd Wright’s “Fallingwater” and The Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts located in Philadelphia. However, the one building that I think of when it comes to great architecture is The Pennsylvania State Capitol. The Pennsylvania State Capitol building, located in Harrisburg, is a great example that represents a variety of architectural elements and a rich history.

The interesting history of the capitol building begins back in 1810. This is when Harrisburg was named the new capital city of Pennsylvania (“CPC Home Page”). Since then, three buildings have sat upon Harrisburg’s Capitol Hill. Local architect, Stephen Hills, was chosen to design the first building. In 1819, Hills began to construction on the structure. The building was completed in 1822, and cost a total of $135,000. The first capitol building existed for seventy-five years, until a fire destroyed it in 1897 (“Capitol”).

Soon after the fire, legislature decided to tear down the remains of the damaged structure and replace it with a larger and more stylish design. Chicago architect, Henry Ives Cobb, was selected to design and build the second capitol. The government gave him a budget of only $550,000, which was not nearly enough to reproduce the size and design that the legislature had envisioned. Due to limited funds, Cobb was unable to finish his intended design. Legislature was embarrassed and unimpres...

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... that evokes pride in its citizens, and will continue to be appreciated by future generations.

Finally, I feel that The Pennsylvania State Capitol building embodies a unique balance of architecture and art. It is a place where the residents of the Pennsylvania can visit and learn about the significance and history of our state. It makes me proud to know that such a beautiful piece of architecture is only a few minutes away.

Works Cited

CPC Home Page. Pennsylvania Capitol Preservation Committee. Web. 9 June 2011 .

The Capitol. The Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Web. 9 June 2011. .

U.S. National Park Service. National Historic Landmark Nomination. 2006. Web. 10 June 2011. .

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