Kansas Statehouse

Architect rendering of Kansas State Capitol

Quick Facts

Location:

SW 8th &, SW Van Buren St, Topeka, KS 66612

Significance:

Kansas State Capitol Building

MANAGED BY:

Kansas Historical Society

Amenities

14 listed

Accessible Rooms, Accessible Sites, Automated Entrance, Baby Changing Station, Bus/Shuttle Stop, Cellular Signal, First Aid Kit Available, Food/Drink - Cafeteria, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Information, Parking - Auto, Restroom, Restroom - Accessible, Wheelchair Accessible

Construction of the Kansas Statehouse began in October 1866, with the legislature first taking their seats in the unfinished East wing in 1870. Work continued on the building throughout the next three decades, finally being completed in 1903. In 1937 a Kansas born artist, John Steuart Curry, was selected to portray the state’s story in murals on the second floor. A centerpiece of the project was titled Tragic Prelude. Here, Curry created an image of John Brown that remains one of the most recognized depictions of the abolitionist in the world. Curry’s mural shows Brown in all of his fury, with arms outstretched, holding a Bible in one bloodied hand and a Sharps rifle in the other, as a twister and prairie fire rage behind him.

• Kansas Statehouse

  
  

  Learn about the history of the Kansas State Capitol in Topeka, Kansas.

  Date created:

  06/09/2023

  Audio Transcript

  Construction of the Kansas Statehouse began in October 1866, with the legislature first taking their seats in the unfinished East wing in 1870. Work continued on the building throughout the next three decades, finally being completed in 1903. In 1937 a Kansas born artist, John Steuart Curry, was selected to portray the state’s story in murals on the second floor. A centerpiece of the project was titled Tragic Prelude. Here, Curry created an image of John Brown that remains one of the most recognized depictions of the abolitionist in the world. Curry’s mural shows Brown in all of his fury, with arms outstretched, holding a Bible in one bloodied hand and a Sharps rifle in the other, as a twister and prairie fire rage behind him.