Architecture | Page 75

Drawing by Leroy S. Buffington, Architect, for the state capitol building

Drawing by Leroy S. Buffington, Architect, for the state capitol building, St. Paul, ca. 1881. Photographed by Farr.

Second State Capitol

Second State Capitol, 1886.

Minnesota's Second State Capitol

Fire destroyed Minnesota's first capitol building on March 1, 1881. The second capitol, completed in 1883, served as the seat of Minnesota state government for just ten years before state officials began planning a grander, more efficient capitol. The second capitol building stood on the site of the first capitol for fifty-five years until its demolition in 1937.

State Capitol Fire, 1881

As Minnesota state legislators met on the evening of March 1, 1881, two days before the end of their twenty-second session, two pages alerted them to a fire in the building. Quick action by lawmakers and nearby residents saved important documents, furnishings, and historical collections. The fire took no lives but destroyed Minnesota's first capitol building.

Examination of work done on the capitol building

Examination of work done on the capitol building, 1853. From, Records, 1851–1854, Minnesota Territorial Archives, Minnesota Board of Commissioners of Public Buildings, State Archives Collection, Minnesota Historical Society, St. Paul.

Receipt of payment to John Daniels

Receipt of payment to John Daniels dated October 2, 1852 for work rendered on the capitol. From, Records, 1851–1854, Minnesota Territorial Archives, Minnesota Board of Commissioners of Public Buildings, State Archives Collection, Minnesota Historical Society, St. Paul.