Age of Jackson
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Dig Deeper: Who is buried at the Tennessee State Capitol?
There are four people either buried inside the capitol walls or on the grounds.
William Strickland became ill while the capitol was being constructed. Since he considered it his finest achievement, Strickland asked to be buried in the Capitol building. Strickland did die before the construction was complete, and he is buried in a crypt on the north wall.
William Strickland became ill while the capitol was being constructed. Since he considered it his finest achievement, Strickland asked to be buried in the Capitol building. Strickland did die before the construction was complete, and he is buried in a crypt on the north wall.
Later, after Samuel Morgan’s death, his family also asked that he be buried in the capitol. As a way to honor Morgan, the state agreed. He is buried in a crypt on the south wall.
In the East Garden of the capitol, President James K. Polk and his wife Sarah Childress Polk are buried in a tomb designed by William Strickland. The tomb was originally located at the Polk home a few blocks from the capitol.
Picture Credits:
- Painting of Sarah Childress Polk by George Dury. This painting was made in 1878. Tennessee State Museum Collection, 1.882
- Painting of James K. Polk by Edward Page. This painting was made in 1950. Tennessee State Museum Collection, 73.62
- Painting of Samuel Dold Morgan by T. J. Odell. This painting was made in 1842. Tennessee State Library and Archives
- Painting of William Strickland by William Cooper. This painting was made sometime between 1840 and 1854. Tennessee State Library and Archives
Age of Jackson >> Tennessee's People >> How They Worked >> Building a Capitol
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