Senate Concurrent Resolution 511

(As Adopted by Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION URGING THE MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT OF ARCHIVES AND HISTORY TO NOMINATE THE NEW CAPITOL BUILDING FOR DESIGNATION AS A NATIONAL HISTORIC LANDMARK.

WHEREAS, Mississippi's State Capitol was designed by Architect Theodore C. Link of St. Louis, Missouri. Erected on the site of the old State Penitentiary, it stands 402 feet wide with the center dome rising 180 feet. Construction began in January 1901 and was completed in August 1903 at a cost of $1,093,641.00; and

WHEREAS, the New Capitol Building is a prime example of Beaux-Arts architecture, characterized on the exterior and interior by large and grandiose composition, symmetry, an abundance of classical detail, a variety of stone finishes, projecting facades, colossal columns, enriched mouldings, pronounced cornices, embellished entablatures and balustrades. The interior of the building is characterized by a richness of detail, motifs and mouldings; anthemia, acanthus leaves, egg-and-dart, pineapple, garlands, beading, reed-and-ribbon, bead-and-reel, fluting, Greek key and guilloche, as well as such architectural features as scrolled consoles and Corinthian, Ionic and Doric columns, consoles and pilasters. The bases of the exterior iron light fixtures at the entrances introduce a recurring console and corbel design. The massive oak doors and surrounding metal casings at all the entrances also reflect classic moulding patterns; and

WHEREAS, the New Capitol Building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1969 and designated a Mississippi Landmark in 1986. The New Capitol was renovated from 1979 to 1982 to restore the public areas and create more efficient office space for the Legislature and Governor. The Governor's Reception Room, the House and Senate Chambers, the Old Supreme Court Chamber, the Rotunda and corridors, the Hall of History and the United Daughters of the Confederacy Reception Room were restored to their original magnificence; and

WHEREAS, in 1935, the United States Congress charged the Department of the Interior with the responsibility for designating nationally significant historic sites, buildings and objects and promoting their preservation for the inspiration and benefit of the people of the United States. The National Historic Landmarks Program was established to identify and protect places possessing exceptional value in illustrating the nation's heritage. Only 3% of properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places are designated as National Historic Landmarks. Their preservation is an irreplaceable legacy to us and future generations; and

WHEREAS, 28 original State Capitol Buildings in the United States have been designated National Historic Landmarks based upon the history or the architecture of the structure, and Mississippi's New Capitol Building should be added to these outstanding examples of design and construction and history to ensure that the state's and the nation's heritage will be accessible to generations yet unborn:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby urge the Mississippi Department of Archives and History to make appropriate application to the National Park Service in order to nominate the New Capitol Building for designation as a National Historic Landmark.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to the Executive Director of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History and the Governor, and to members of Mississippi's congressional delegation, and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.