Gov. J. C. W. Beckham promoted construction of the New Capitol because the Old Capitol was overcrowded and in disrepair. Federal funds for Civil and Spanish-American War claims paid half of the $1,820,000 cost. In 1904, Frank M. Andrews was selected as architect. The cornerstone was laid in 1906, and the Capitol was completed during Gov. A. E. Willson's term. The legislature met in January, and the building was dedicated in June 1910. Its style is neo-classic, with 70 Ionic monolithic columns. The north pediment shows a heroine, Kentucky, with Progress, History, Law, Art, and Labor as attendants. French influence appears in the dome and rotunda, designed like the tomb of Napoleon, and in the white marble stairs with banisters copied from those in the Paris Opera House. Murals in the east and west wings were painted by Gilbert White.