The capitol took 3 2 years to build, starting in 1867, and it was deemed completed in 1899 by governor Theodore Roosevelt. Construction materials such as granite and marble came from all over the country and all over the world. Five architects worked on this building. The building reflects those different architectural styles. Were standing on the eastern approach to the capitol. This stairway contains 77 steps. And were told that the 77 was chosen to commemorate the year 1777, which was when new york officially became a state. The stairway is also important in the history of this building because its said governor Theodore Roosevelt used to run up these steps. And he would challenge reporters that if they could keep up with him, he would grant them an exclusive interview. At the very top you can see carvings of henry hudson and joseph grant. Now, its logical that henry hudson might appear on the new york State Capitol since it was henry hudson who came to albany, discovered albany in