Next time your walking by the New York State Capitol, step inside and take in the beauty and grandeur of one of it’s most prominent features.
(The top image was taken c. 1903… below, 2012.)
A.K.A. the Great Western Staircase, this display of architectural excellence was designed by Henry Hobson Richardson and built by Isaac Perry. Work started in 1883 and the project took over 14 years to complete, costing over a million dollars (hence the name). There are 444 steps in the staircase, which runs 119 feet high.
Most impressive, are the stone carvings the make up the aura of the staircase. Over 500 sculptors from around the world spent tireless hours, carving detailed designs and prominent faces into the stone. there are 77 famous faces, including George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Susan B. Anthony, and others. FUN FACT: After these were completed, the sculptors were allowed carve more faces of friends, relatives and passer-by’s.
Do you have a relative carved in the staircase? Can you identify all 77 famous faces?
Info Courtesy of NYS Assembly
