December 2011 Quiz Answers

ArchiQuiz: State Capitol Edition

1. Which state capitol building is the largest, and who designed it?

 Texas, of course. It was designed in 1881 by architect Elijah E. Myers and built from 1882 to 1888. It is 308 feet tall.

2. Which state capitol building is the smallest, and who designed it?

 There seems to be some lack of certainty on this (perhaps due to measurement options), but Vermont appears the smallest capitol building still used as the official capitol building. Their building, over 150 years old, sits in Montpelier, which is undoubtedly the smallest capital city. The capital building was designed Thomas Silloway.

3. What is the oldest state capitol in continuous use?

 The Maryland State House in Annapolis has been in continuous use since 1772. It was designed by Joseph Horatio Anderson, and boasts the largest wooden dome in the United States constructed without nails.

4. Thirty nine states call their capitol building the “state capitol.” What’s the next most popular moniker for that primary state government building?

 Ten states use “statehouse” or “state house,” leaving just one more state, Delaware. Delaware has a “legislative hall.”