Louisiana State Capitol frieze by T. E. Smith-Lamothe

The Louisiana State Capitol is the tallest in the USA at over 34 storeys high. It was built with the strong encouragement of Governor Huey P. Long, who was a US Senator and past-governor at the time ---- an amazing feat considering the Great Depression was at its height and the building was not inexpensive. Alabama limestone was brought to Baton Rouge by the train loads to clad the Art-Deco styled building. The limestone facade was carved into Louisiana cultural motifs --- a rich heritage gumbo of Native, French, Spanish, English, American and Confederate influences. Their is an observation deck on the 34th floor and offers a far-reaching view of the flat delta land surrounding Baton Rouge and the Mighty Mississippi River is prominent to the west with the Interstate 10 bridge and busy barge traffic. This hand held panorama was taken to capture the south-facing carved frieze which depicts scenes, historical and imagined, of Louisiana history. The frieze wraps around the building at the same height, even embellishing areas which could only be seen by someone on the adjacent roof.