California's Historic Capitol was designed by architects M. F. Butler and Reuben Clark in an adaption of Renaissance Revival style, reminiscent of the Capitol in Washington D. C.  Work began on the building in 1860, just 12 years after the discovery of gold at Sutter's Mill, and by late 1869 it was partly occupied.  It was finally finished in 1874 at a cost of $2.4 million.  Over the years the building has undergone a number of remodelings.  The major alteration to the Capitol occurred in 1951 with the addition of the East Wing at the back of the building.  (This miniature model shows the East side prior to the addition of the totally unimpressive East Wing).  When a powerful earthquake struck southern California in 1971, lawmakers questioned whether the building could withstand a major tremor.  An investigation found that the old walls were bearing loads far exceeding their capacity.  Legislators were convinced that an entirely new Capitol was needed, but eventually it was decided to restore the old Capitol.  This last restoration took 6 years and cost $67.8 million.  Today, the Capitol is considered the most significant buildings in California and is particularly noted for its' lofty dome, which rises 210 feet above the street.  The bronze state seal in front of the West entrance was fashioned by San Quentin State Prison inmates.