‘A piece of history for your house’: Missouri auctions stone salvaged from Capitol Building

On Friday morning, stones quarried more than 100 years ago performed one last service for Missouri.

Until recently, the dense white Burlington limestone pieces were part of the state Capitol Building completed in 1917. They provided surfaces for sidewalks and staircases, and formed rims for the three fountains that have attracted thousands of art students looking for subjects.

There were balusters, columns and medallions from the dome.

Retired from their original purpose during recent work to restore and preserve the exterior of the Capitol Building, on Friday they were auctioned with the proceeds dedicated to future needs of the Capitol.

The auction attracted both serious bidders and people who wanted to see, or perhaps take home, a piece of history.

“I think it is fantastic,” said Keke Walker of Columbia. “It would be so great to have a piece of history for your house.”