State Capitol - Louisiana - American Guide Series on Waymarking.com

open daily, 7–7; tower, 10–5; Official Hostess in charge of tours), situated on the edge of University Lake, at the north end of Third St., is surrounded by a beautifully landscaped 50-acre park. The main elevation faces south toward the city of Baton Rouge, with a long vista of colorful gardens enclosed in an avenue of Magnolia grandiflora (Louisiana's State flower).

Constructed of Alabama limestone, the Capitol is a modern adaptation of classical motifs. More than 30 varieties of marble and stone are used in the interior, some having been imported from Italy, France, Greece, Spain, and Belgium. The building also contains the work of many noted sculptors and painters, among whom are Ulric H. Ellerhusen, Adolph A. Weinman, Lewis Borgo, Andrew Mackey, Jules Guerin, Angela Gregory, Juanita Gonzales, Conrad Albrizio, Albert Rieker, and the Piccirilli brothers.

This is only part of the description of the Louisiana State Capitol building, and it is indeed as marvelous as it sounds. An elevator to an observation deck near the top allows you views in all directions, and two massive sculptures flank the entrance to the building. It is also the site of the slaying of Louisiana Governor Huey Long, who was a driving force in the building's construction.