South Dakota State Capitol in Pierre
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The building was constructed between 1905 and 1910. Four memorials are on the grounds of the capitol building. The floor in the capitol building is made of terrazzo tile. The floor is said to have been laid by 66 Italian artists. To give these artists a chance to place a mark in the building (without allowing them to actually sign their names to the floor), each is said to have been given a blue stone to place in the floor. Only 55 of these tiles have been found, however. It is thought that the remaining stones may have been placed in locations now covered by walls, doors, or carpeting. In anticipation of the state centennial during 1989, the building was renovated extensively and restored. The renovation required 22 years and restored much of the building and its decoration, including the tile floor, to its original appearance. The tiled floor was also repaired. Each of the tile workers who did the repairs is said to have been given a heart-shaped stone with which to mark the new floor, as the original workers had.
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