California State Capitol History
At the 1849 Constitutional Convention, plans to establish a capital for the 31st state in the union were conceived. Years of ongoing controversy over location gave way to a final site selection, and architectural plans were finalized in 1856—but was construction ready to begin?
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Planning
At the 1849 Constitutional Convention, plans to establish a capital for the 31st state in the union were conceived.
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Construction
Four years after the architectural designs were approved, the construction of the Capitol building began.
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Growth
The rapid growth of the state and expanding government responsibility soon created the need for additional space at the Capitol.
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Restoration
The decision to restore the historic Capitol created one of the largest restoration projects in California’s history.