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The grounds upon which the Capitol stands were purchased by the city of Nashville from Geo. W. Campbell for $30,000 and presented to the State, December, 1843, and are perhaps the most beautiful site for a capitol building in the world, being in the center of the city and 197 feet above the level of the Cumberland River. Grading the grounds was begun January 1, 1844; the cornerstone was laid July 4, 1845; the building was completed March 19, 1859. The Capitol is entirely of Tennessee material, and is fireproof. The building is a parallelogram, 112x239 ft.; extreme height 206 ft. 7 in. Total cost of building and grounds $1,500,000. Wm. Strickland was architect, and is entombed in the wall of the northern portico. President James K. Polk and wife are buried in the grounds. A fine bronze statue of General Jackson adorns the grounds on east side of Capitol. |
