Old Louisiana State CapitolSuspected

Dated: Dated 1847–52; rebuilt 1880s after 1862 fire
Declared purpose: Seat of the Louisiana Legislature
Today: Survives, museum of political history
Build time: About 5 years; rebuilt after the fire
Region: United States
Architect of record: James H. Dakin, architect: about 41 when credited (1847, born 1806). Build time on record: about 5 years; rebuilt after the fire.All architects of record →
On the list as: Suspected

Why it's on the list

A Gothic castle capitol gutted by fire in 1862 and rebuilt with a cast-iron stair and stained-glass dome.

Hidden history

Found, Not Built

A Gothic Revival castle used as a capitol. It burned in 1862 while Union troops occupied it, and was rebuilt in the 1880s.

Why researchers flag it
A Gothic castle capitol gutted by fire in 1862 and rebuilt with a cast-iron stair and stained-glass dome.
A castle capitol
Battlements and turrets instead of a dome.
Fire in 1862
It was gutted in 1862 and rebuilt about 20 years later.
Mark Twain's dislike
Twain mocked it as a sham castle.
Architect of record
James H. Dakin (born 1806) was about 41 when credited with the design in 1847. The Architects of Record page asks how often a young or little-known name delivers a landmark.