Tennessee State Capitol

history · architecture · government

Built to Last. Construction took 14 years, from 1845 to 1859, and the building has been used continuously by Tennessee's government since 1853, making it one of the oldest working statehouses in the entire United States.

Greek Revival Masterpiece. Architect William Strickland designed this building as his greatest achievement, creating one of Nashville's most prominent examples of Greek Revival architecture with its elegant columns and classical style.

Local Limestone Wonder. The entire building was constructed from limestone quarried nearby in Tennessee, giving it a distinctive look and supporting local resources.

Pioneering Iron Beams. This was one of the first buildings in the United States to use iron as a structural element, making it innovative for its time and helping it stand strong for nearly two centuries.

Tallest in the Southeast. When it was completed, the Tennessee State Capitol was the tallest building in the entire Southeastern United States, making it a truly impressive landmark.