California’s historic Capitol was designed by architects M.F. Butler and Reuben Clark in an adaptation of Roman Corinthian architecture. Work began in 1860, and by late 1869 the Capitol was partly occupied. Construction ended in 1874 at a cost of $245 million. The west wing, which once housed all branches of government, is now a legislative facility. Its design and construction are tributes to California’s pioneer architects, craftsmen, and builders.