Everything really is bigger in Texas – including our seat of government. The Texas State Capitol building in Austin stands taller than the U.S. Capitol itself, and it’s an architectural wonder worth visiting if you haven’t had the chance to see it in person yet (or even if you have!)

Towering over Congress Avenue, the Texas State Capitol is the centerpiece of downtown Austin.
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The building was designed in 1881 by architect Elijah E. Myers, and constructed from 1882 until 1888.
At over 300 feet tall, our state's capitol building is the sixth-tallest state capitol in the nation.
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It's actually taller than the United States Capitol, which is only 288 feet tall.
When it was constructed, the capitol was dubbed "The Seventh Largest Building in The World" - although that claim has not, to our knowledge, been independently verified.
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Nevertheless, the structure is undeniably majestic and commands the ground it sits on.

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The current Texas State Capitol is not the original - in fact, it's the third capitol building our state has had.
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A small wooden building that served as the national capitol of the Texas Republic was the first, while the second - which was located on the same site as the current capitol - was destroyed by fire in 1881.
Visitors are welcome to come stroll the 22-acre capitol grounds, which are impeccably manicured and feature lush greenery and an array of monuments.
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Some of the monuments date to as early as the late 1800s, and each one has a unique story to tell.
Tours of the interior are also available, on which guests can marvel at the beautiful architecture and significant spaces such as the chambers for the Texas Senate and Texas House of Representatives.
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Both guided and self-guided tours are offered, and both are given free of charge.
For more information about the Texas State Capitol, please visit the official Texas State Preservation Board website.
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Have you ever visited the Texas State Capitol building? If so, tell us all about your experience in the comments! Don’t forget to check out our previous article for another family-friendly attraction in Austin that’s fun for all ages.

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Texas Capitol, 1100 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701, USA