Texans have a powerful history studded with achievements and victories. In 1936, a huge monument was erected in Dallas’ Fair Park to celebrate the centenary of the state. The Hall of State is an imposing building at the end of the 1,500-foot (460-meter) Esplanade of State. Built in the shape of a T and made using Texan limestone, the hall signifies the state pride that most Texans feel for their State.
Today, visitors to the hall can stroll the water-lined promenade, explore the expansive G.B. Dealy Library or attend an event in the Great Hall. Anyone with an interest in American culture and grand buildings will appreciate seeing this locally important tribute to the birth of Texas.
Pick up a self-guided walking tour from the foyer of the hall to learn about the architecture, symbolism and history of the Hall of State. Designed by Donald Barthelme, a Texan architect from Houston, the hall is considered one of the best examples of art deco architecture in the state. The main features of the hall’s exterior are the 76-foot (23-meter) tall limestone columns that curve around the entrance to the hall. A frieze surrounds the top of the outside wall and recognizes 60 key figures from Texas’ history.
Inside, the Hall of Heroes features six bronze statues of some of these figures. Included are Sam Houston, the 19th-century politician and soldier for whom Houston was named after, and Stephen F. Austin, an early settler in the Texan region, for whom the Texan capital was named after. Visit the huge frescos depicting the story of Texas, or see the impressive gold medallion, with a diameter of more than 12 feet (3.6 meters).
The Hall of State is located within Fair Park in central Dallas. Admission is free. Note that entry is not permitted to the public when events are in progress. Fair Park can be reached by car or public transport and metered and free street parking is available in the area.
