Oklahoma City is the capital of the U.S. state of Oklahoma. It is known for its cowboy culture and capitol complex, surrounded by working oil wells. We visited the city and its capital building in 2021. We were only able to explore the building exterior since the interior was not open due to Covid restrictions.
Oklahoma Capital Building in Oklahoma City – Oklahoma capital moved to Oklahoma City in 1910. Construction began on the Oklahoma State Capitol in 1914 and was completed in 1917. The building is composed primarily of white limestone and Oklahoma pink granite.
Oklahoma Capital Building in Oklahoma City, Dome – The dome is topped with a 22-foot bronze statue called The Guardian, created by artist and former State Senator Enoch Kelly Haney. The statue depicts a Native American warrior holding a staff and represents the valor of Oklahomans and their resilience.
Oklahoma Capital Building in Oklahoma City, Statues – The 2 statues on either side of the building in front are titled Tribute To Range Riders and As Long as the Waters Flow
- Tribute To Range Riders – Constance Whitney Warren’s intricately detailed sculpture of a bucking bronco and a steadfast cowboy in wool chaps was the first sculpture installed on the grounds of Oklahoma’s State Capitol. Known as a bronze tribute to the romantic riders of the range, the sculpture represents Oklahoma history as seen through the eyes of the cowboy that rode across her land on his trustee steed. The sculpture was officially dedicated by Governor Raymond Gary on November 14, 1957.
- As Long as the Waters Flow – Allan Houser’s monumental tribute to Native Americans, As Long as the Waters Flow, was dedicated on June 4, 1989. The sculpture refers to President Andrew Jackson’s vow to Native Americans that they shall posses their land as long as the grass grows and the rivers run. The 13-foot, 6-inch bronze statue exudes Houser’s artistic style. Lacking intricate representative detailing, the large solid planes among the surface denote strength within an everlasting presence. Her traditional attire is complete with an eagle feather fan, which is considered a sacred symbol among Native American cultures.
