[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 81 (Wednesday, May 26, 2010)]
[Senate]
[Page S4440]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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            RECOGNIZING THE SOUTH DAKOTA CAPITOL CENTENNIAL

 Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, it is with great honor that I 
recognize the 100th anniversary of the South Dakota State Capitol. This 
centennial is especially meaningful to me, as I spent 8 years in this 
building, serving the people of South Dakota in the Senate and House of 
Representatives from Clay and Union Counties.
  South Dakota achieved statehood in 1889, and campaigns were soon 
waged over which town would become the capital. At least 13 towns 
competed in an intense race, with Pierre winning the title in 1904, 
partially due to its central location. Funding was secured in 1905, 
construction began in 1907, the cornerstone laid on June 25, 1908, and 
the official dedication of South Dakota's State Capitol was on June 30, 
1910. Government agencies moved into the capitol from a small wooden 
building which was located at the southwest corner of the capitol 
grounds near the corners of Capitol Avenue and Nicollet. Robert S. 
Vessey of Wessington Springs was the first Governor to serve in the 
capitol building.
  Modeled after the Montana State Capitol Building, architects from 
Minneapolis designed and constructed the building for just under $1 
million. The beautiful structure includes native field stone, Indiana 
limestone, and Vermont and Italian marble. With hand-carved woodwork, 
marble, special cast brass, and hand laid stone, the capitol itself is 
a work of art.
  During the ``Dirty 30's,'' the settling of blowing soil caused severe 
damage to the building. Subsequently, in 1977, a major restoration of 
the State capitol commenced with a goal of returning the majestic 
building to its original state in time for the South Dakota Centennial 
Celebration in 1989. Fifteen years and roughly $3 million later, the 
building has been restored very close to its original grandeur. The 
ceilings, wall designs, color schemes, window treatments, and carpeted 
areas were brought back to its original colors and luster.
  On Saturday, June 19, 2010, South Dakotans from across the State will 
gather at the capitol to celebrate 100 years of our State's history. 
With live entertainment, tours of the capitol, historical lectures, a 
rededication ceremony, and many other activities, there is something 
for everyone. I hope this celebration gives our citizens a chance to 
reflect on our shared history, as well as our promising future.
  At the laying of the cornerstone, Governor Coe Crawford said in his 
address, ``The new capitol will do more than comfortably accommodate 
the officers who are to labor within its walls for the people whom they 
will serve. It will stand throughout the coming years as an expression 
of beauty and art and as the people come and go and linger within its 
walls, they will see in it an expression of the soul of the state.'' 
Although currently valued at $58 million, this piece of history is 
priceless. I am honored to have served in this historical building and 
am proud to recognize it today.

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