Nebraska State Capitol - Construction

Construction

Preparation for construction began in the early 1920s with the building of a railroad from Lincoln’s Burlington yards to the statehouse block. The electric line ran from 7th to 14th Streets along H Street. The state-owned spur created an easy means for delivery of construction materials. Then on April 15, 1922, Governor Samuel R. McKelvie broke ground, thus beginning the first phase of a four-phase construction process that would last a decade.

First Phase, 1922-1925: After groundbreaking, the north and south sections of the square base were built around the former capitol allowing state operations to continue inside. This saved the state money in temporary off-campus rental. With completion of first phase building in late 1924, the state moved its offices from the old capitol to the new. Then in 1925, the previous statehouse was razed.

Second Phase, 1925-1928: Construction continued with the completion of the east side of the square base, along with the north, east, and south arms of the inner cross. The tower was also constructed to the 6th floor—the level above the main rotunda.

Third Phase, 1928-1930: The tower was completed. On April 24, 1930, thousands of spectators gathered around the west side of the capitol to watch the ascent of the tower’s spire—The Sower.

Fourth Phase, 1930-1932: The west side of the square base and inner cross were completed.

Landscaping/Furnishing, 1932-1934.

The 10-year construction process cost the state $9,800,449.07, funded by a special assessment tax. The building was payed off by the end of construction.