Tennessee State Capital

Believe it or not, when we woke up today, who would have thought we would be visiting a place with bodies buried in the walls, as well as on the grounds? We are not talking about a cemetery, but rather a municipal building in the center of Nashville. The state capital building is home to the governor, the state legislature, and is a National Historic Landmark. Completed in 1859 on a hilltop overlooking the city, this building looks like a Greek Ionic temple, and was constructed using commercial, convict, and slave labor. Interestingly, while Tennessee produced three U.S. Presidents, only one, James K. Polk, is buried on the grounds. Self-guided tours allowed us to leisurely explore the building...although from time-to-time, we did listen in on a couple of school tours. We've visited a number of municipal buildings during our travels and would have to rate this one within the top ten.

   state capitals/Tennessee.org

The Tennessee State Capital building is considered the crowning achievement of architect William Strickland's career.

Monument to Medal of Honor winner, Alvin York ...a home town hero.

Beautiful frescoed ceiling with one of only three original chandeliers.

Informational plaque in the lobby.

Civil War era photo of troops protecting the state capital.

Artist rendition of the State Supreme Court Chamber within the capital building.

The actual State Supreme Court Chamber is currently used for special ceremonies.

Located in the reception area of the governor's office is this original state seal machine.

The State Senate chamber as seen from the balcony level.

The 99 member House of Representative chamber.

During a particularly bitter debate over ratification of the 14th amendment to the U.S. Constitution in 1866, a disgruntled participant fired a bullet that chipped this handrail.

Accomplished architect William Strickland designed the Tennessee State Capital building. This was considered his crowning achievement. As a tribute, the legislature had his body entombed within the walls at the north end of the building.

At the south end of the building, Samuel Mogan, chairman of the Capital Building Commission, was entombed.

The tomb of President James K. Polk is located in the east garden area.