NMCentennialBlueBook

STATE CAPITOLS
DOUBLE-DOMER TERRITORIAL CAPITOL
Growing arguments to move the capitol to Albuquerque caused several interested parties,
opposing such a move, to influence the Territorial Legislature to vote that it remain in
Santa Fe. The measure passed by a single vote. The construction of the Double-Domer
Territorial Capitol Building was finished in 1886. The building was four stories, boasting
richly carved cornices, beautiful stained glass windows, four colossal bronze statues
representing Liberty, Justice, Industry, and Commerce at each corner of the building and
two majestic domes. A thing of pride, but unfortunately there was no money left in the
budget to insure the structure.
In 1892, a mysterious fire destroyed the building. Volunteers responding to the fire
found that the water main has been shut off and the fire hoses had been slashed. The
perpetrators were never brought to justice. The New Mexican said of the fire, "In spite of
the devastating fire, however the Capitol has been of such solid construction that the walls
had to be torn down with dynamite.
Double-Domer Territorial Capitol, 1886-1892
Photo Courtesy: Museum of New Mexico, Negative 76041, ca. 1890
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