Bug's Guidebook to Texas.

[Bugman]

Computer and camera problems have had the series resting, but it now returns.

In this chapter we visit the Texas State Capitol Building and grounds.

The first Capitol Building in Austin was a simple wooden structure, located on a hill west of Congress Ave. In 1853 a limestone building was completed, on the site of the current Capitol. That building was gutted by fire in 1881, but plans were already underway to replace it . After a nation-wide search for an architect Elijah Meyers of Chicago was awarded the contract. Construction began in Feburary 1882, but design changes and labor disputes delayed the project and it was not completed until April 1888.

Everything is bigger in Texas it is said, and our Capitol is the largest of the 50 capitol buildings, with well over 700,000 gross square feet. This includes an underground extension added in the early 90s.

 

[Bugman]

Our tour begins with a stop at The Capitol Building Visitors Center. Build in the 1850s, it has been home to many state agencies including The General Land Office 1856 - 1857. It is the oldest surviving state building in Texas.

The second picture is a cut-away model of the dome's interior. My picture does not do justice to this intricate work. The last picture is one of the exhibits that can be seen.

 

[Bugman]

The park like setting make the grounds a popular place for Austinites to stroll or jog, bring a picnic lunch, or just sit and enjoy nature and people watch. The last picture is the south entrance, looking north from 11th Street and Congress Ave.

 

[milagros317]

Very interesting photos. Looking forward to more of this series. 😀

 

[Bugman]

Thanks Mils, I've missed doing them. More pictures will be posted later today.

 

[Bugman]

The building grounds feature a number of statues and monuments. A Civil War cannon, circa 1864 - 1865. The Firefighters Monument, honoring professional and volunteer firefighters who died in the line of duty. A tribute to the Alamo defenders.

 

[Bugman]

In 1861 Benjiman Franklin Terry raised a cavalry regiment, known by a number of names, including Terry's Texas Rangers.

 

[Bugman]

Dedicated last month, The Tejano Monument pays homage to the early Spanish and Mexican explorers and settlers of Texas.

http://www.tejanomonument.com/

 

[milagros317]

Very interesting new photos. Thanks for sharing them all here.

Do they really call it a "Civil War" cannon there? When I was in Atlanta, Georgia, and went to a museum about that war, it was referred to as "the War between the States" in the signs there. I've been told that in South Carolina some people still call it "the War on Northern Aggression."

 

[Bugman]

Very interesting new photos. Thanks for sharing them all here.

Do they really call it a "Civil War" cannon there? When I was in Atlanta, Georgia, and went to a museum about that war, it was referred to as "the War between the States" in the signs there. I've been told that in South Carolina some people still call it "the War on Northern Aggression."

I labeled it a Civil War cannon, but I've heard the other terms you mention. Here at least, it seems to depend on the individual, their age, and the region they were born and raised in. Much of East Texas for example is more reminiscent of the Old South in its attitudes, with many older people (and some younger ones) clinging to the past.

 

[Bugman]

A few pictures from the Texas State Treasure's Office.

A check perforator machine, manufactured by Cummin's Perforator Co. of Chicago circa 1915.

A desktop check perforator, also made by Cummin's.

A Burroughs Model 9 adding machine from the same era.

An L. C. Smith-Corona typewriter.

 

[milagros317]

Fascinating to see old office machines. 😀

 

[General Zod]

Thanks for the pics Bugman. 😀 😛

 

[Bugman]

Fascinating to see old office machines. 😀

The engineering and craftsmanship of the past is indeed fascinating. No electronics, everything was mechanical.

 

[Bugman]

Thanks for the pics Bugman. 😀 😛

Oh, 😛 to you too. Hope you've enjoyed some of them. 🙂

If things go as planned, I think you will enjoy the next two or three chapters of the series.

 

[Bugman]

First two pictures: The Senate Chamber. Next two, the larger House Chamber. The Governor's Public Reception Room.

 

[Bugman]

More interior pictures.

 

[Bugman]

A statue of Stephen F. Austin,one of the founders of Anglo Texas. He became Secretary of State in September 1836 but died in office that December.

 

[Bugman]

A bust of Miriam"Ma"Ferguson, our first female governor. Her husband, James Ferguson was twice elected governor but was impeached during his second term. His misdemeanors did not attach to Ma though, and she won her first term in 1924, then another in 1932.

 

[Bugman]

We conclude the tour with a visit to the north grounds.

The Tyler Rose Garden. Tyler Texas is famous for two things: Its roses, and NFL great Earl Campbell. The garden is not at its best right now.

The Texas Peace Officers Memorial.

A monument to the men of Hood's Texas Brigade.

 

[paracarl44]

Thanks for the pictures, Bugman.

 

[milagros317]

Very interesting new photos. Thanks for sharing them all here, Bugman. 😀

 

[Gothika]

great pics man but the pics say 2005 did u go back in time 😛

 

[Bugman]

Thanks for the pictures, Bugman.

Very interesting new photos. Thanks for sharing them all here, Bugman. 😀

great pics man but the pics say 2005 did u go back in time 😛

Thanks guys, glad you enjoyed them. I don't know why Goth, because I had the date - timestamp set, but everything came out dated 2005.