Washington State Capitol in Olympia
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After Olympia became capital city of the Washington Territory in 1853, the city's founder, Edmund Sylvester, gave the legislature 12 acres of land upon which to build the capitol, located on a hill overlooking what is now known as Capitol Lake. The state has had three capitol buildings. The second capitol building was replaced starting in 1911. The state seal, which is featured throughout the buildings on the state flag, tapestries, railing, door handles and elsewhere, was designed by Olympia Jeweler Charles Talcot by making two circles and putting a two-cent stamp of George Washington in the middle. There is even a bronze version of the seal in the floor of the rotunda. Over time, George Washington’s nose has worn down due to foot traffic on it and it is now roped-off to prevent further damage.
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