Man working on an eagle sculpture for the top of the capitol, ca. 1901.The lack of equipment to get rid of the dust created a health risk for the stone carvers.

Men working on the capitol, ca. 1901. Note the lack of railings, harnesses, and hardhats.

State capitol construction, ca. 1901.

Original description on print: “No. 119 Minnesota State Capitol, Cass Gilbert Architect, Iron Work Over Senate Chamber, September 1, 1900.” Photograph album, May 1896–November 1905 (+Reserve 47, Box 1). Minnesota Board of State Capitol Commissioners records, 1892–1914.

Hoist made of logs with climbing slats, like the one from which John Biersack fell and died. Original description on print: “111 Minnesota State Capitol, North East View, July 1, 1900.” Photograph album, May 1896–November 1905 (+Reserve 47, Box 1). Minnesota Board of State Capitol Commissioners records, 1892–1914.

Original description in album: “No. 104, South East Dome Foundation Pier, Minnesota State Capitol, May 1, 1900.” Note the unsafe ladder with its bottom rung propped up across a beam, without any rope or clamps to hold it in place. Photograph album, May 1896–November 1905 (+Reserve 47, Box 1). Minnesota Board of State Capitol Commissioners records, 1892–1914.

Original description on print: “Main Front Entrance, Minnesota State Capitol, May 1, 1900.” A passing wagon accidentally pulled down the scaffolding (upper right), causing Albert Swanson to fall to his death and Frank Thiery to break his leg. Photograph album, May 1896–November 1905 (+Reserve 47, Box 1). Minnesota Board of State Capitol Commissioners records, 1892–1914.

Men working on the base of the capitol dome, ca. 1900.

Worker hanging on to end of hoist chain, three stories above the ground. Original description on print: “Minnesota State Capitol, Cass Gilbert Architect, No. 64, South West Corner, October 28, 1898.” Photograph album, May 1896–November 1905 (+Reserve 47, Box 1). Minnesota Board of State Capitol Commissioners records, 1892–1914.

Original description on print: “Concreting and drainage–Subbasement, Minnesota State Capitol, #30, September 24, 1897, Cass Gilbert, Architect.” Photograph album, May 1896–November 1905 (+Reserve 47, Box 1). Minnesota Board of State Capitol Commissioners records, 1892–1914.