Atlanta has been the capital of Georgia since 1868 - only a few years after General Sherman's visit to the place. In 1883, the legislature decided it was time for a big new building, and such a facility was finished six years later - $118.43 under budget, according to the brochure. Lots of Georgia marble can be found on the premise.
The legislative chambers are located here. When we were here, we saw a few representatives making general comments before everyone got down to work on the last day of the session. One stood out for wishing his late mother a happy birthday. I'm not sure about the value of such a speech to the taxpayer. Then again who am I to criticize motherhood? The legislature meets for a maximum for 40 non-consecutive days during the early part of the year. That doesn't sound like much, but it's enough time to cause a little mischief.
There are other items around as well. The biggest attraction, if that's the right word, is the two-headed cow on the fourth floor. I think it dates back to the 1890s, so we can't blame nuclear radiation for this one. Some who worked in the building told us in the elevator to be sure to take a look at it. The Georgia Hall of Fame salutes great figures in state history who never became Governor. And speaking of Governor, the office of that state leader is on the second floor.
Once done with the inside, a lap of the grounds is in order. Let's see who gets a statue - names such as Jimmy Carter, Dr. Martin Luther King, Eugene Talmadge, Richard Russell. Joseph and Elizabeth Brown also have a statue; Joe was the Governor during the Civil War. He was a strong secessionist who was arrested but later pardoned by President Andrew Johnson.
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