History of Nebraska’s Capitols

In response to westward migration and the call for a trans-continental railroad Franklin Pierce signed the Nebraska-Kansas Act on May 30, 1854 creating the Nebraska Territory. The ensuing controversy over the location of the…

Standing Abraham Lincoln Sculpture

The Lincoln Monument on the West Plaza of the Nebraska State Capitol is the only structure on the grounds that predates Bertram Goodhue’s “Tower on the Plains” begun in 1922.

More Goodhue Buildings

Bertram Goodhue designed many churches and public buildings during his life, including:

Concept and Advisor’s Statement

The Capitol of a State is the outward sign of the character of its people. Their respect for its traditions and history, their belief in its importance and worth, and their love of its fair name; all find expression in its Capitol.

Project Phases and Timeline

In response to the competition requirement that the new Capitol be built in a fiscally responsible manner, Bertram Goodhue’s “cross within square” floor plan allowed construction to begin around the old Capitol while still occupied,…

Goodhue Writings

The site is a square in the heart of the city of Lincoln, the point of intersection of two great avenues; while the surrounding country is generally level. Therefore, from the very beginning the authors of the design herewith submitted…

Report of the Jury for the Nebraska State Capitol Commission

Lincoln, Nebraska (June 26, 1920) — Believing that the best way to secure a design for a great and monumental building is to directly select a competent architect and then, by collaboration, through a series of studies, develop with…

Program and Commission Statement

Final Stage of Competition for the Selection of an Architect to Design and Supervise the Construction of a Capitol for the State of Nebraska

Capitol in Lincoln

The first two Capitols in Lincoln were poorly constructed of inferior materials and by 1915 there was interest in building a third State Capitol. In January of 1919, the Legislature passed the Mears-Tracewell Bill to provide for…

Recent Restorations

In 1989 a major restoration and renovation project was undertaken following the construction of a new facility to house the State’s Information Management Services. The project included 30,000 square feet of space in the Capitol…

The Philosopher

Hartley Burr Alexander

Hartley Burr Alexander, Professor of Philosophy, was born in Lincoln, Nebraska, in 1873. He spent his youth in the Midwest and his school years in Syracuse, Nebraska. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska in…

The Artist

Hildreth Meiere

Hildreth Meiere was born in New York City in 1892 to a household where art was an important part of life.

The Sculptor

Lee Lawrie

Lee Lawrie was born in Rixdorf, Germany, in 1877, and came to America with his family at the age of four. Very early in life he demonstrated artistic ability and at one time worked in the studio of Beaux Arts sculptor Augustus…

The Architect

Bertram Grosvenor Goodhue

Bertram Grosvenor Goodhue was born in Pomfret, Connecticut on April 28, 1869. His early years were spent studying the arts and humanities at home. From his study of the classics, Goodhue learned of the great architectural styles and…