Since construction began in 1896, hundreds of workers were drawn to this spot – they dug and laid the foundation and built the lower walls. But the box contained not a single name of a worker or contractor who erected this structure. The names of the Capitol Commissioners and architect Cass Gilbert, as well as his associates, were etched on a bronze plate. Into the box were placed more than 45 books, newspapers, photos and documents - including histories of legislators and soldiers since the founding of the state. The cornerstone was five feet long with a hollow core to hold a copper box. Among the throng of dignitaries was Minnesota’s first territorial governor, Alexander Ramsey, to officially lay the cornerstone for the people’s house - the grandest building in the state and one of the finest statehouse buildings in the country. Onlookers leaned over the partially finished first floor walls. Here, the new capitol was rising from the ground. Columns of veterans, stonecutters and other workers marched to the ribbon-draped speakers’ stand. On July 27, 1898, marching bands led thousands of people to the highest point in downtown St.
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