A Close Look at the Hall of State Doors

Symbols

Every time I enter this iconic building I notice something new.  But perhaps my favorite work of art in this beautifully constructed building begins with the bronze doors under the Tejas Warrior sculpture.

There are five pairs of doors which open from the rotunda entry way into vestibules leading into the Hall of Heroes.  The doors contain symbols designed by Donald Barthelme, the architect/designer of the Hall of State.  Each of the sections contained in the sculpted door panels is a symbol of the industries that made Texas what it is, leading up to the year of the Centennial, 1936.

Above is the most recognized one for many who visit the building. It represents the ranching industry which carried the backbone of this state's economy for decades.  The ranching industry is still significant, but no longer is the predominant industry.  

You will notice that the representative steer is not a Longhorn.  It is a Shorthorn or a Hereford, breeds that were introduced to replace the legendary Longhorn, a hardy breed that traveled the cattle drive trails providing wealth for many. 

The Rattlesnake is symbolized, common on ranches and a part of life in the country, even today.  

The zig-zag line above and below the steer head represents barbed wire.  The closing of the open range.  There were even range wars over this, disagreements over closing off open land and dividing it up into smaller parcels which limited the access to grass and water for the huge free-roaming herds cattle.  

So much history here that is a part of who we are and how we came to be in this state.  But looking up at     the Tejas Warrior we should not forget that for at least 10,000 years there were others here before us.  Lessons still to be learned, and history not to be forgotten.