Olympia  

Sundial: 319
State/Province:  Washington Country:  USA
Dial Type:  Horizontal Dial Condition:  Excellent
  Latitude and Longitude: 47° 2.089' N  122° 54.291' W
Location:
  • State Capitol Campus. In the center of the circle between the O'Brien and Cherberg buildings on the west campus.
 
Description:
  • John W. Elliot, a Seattle master craftsman designed and execute the Territorial Sundial. The 6 foot dial is hand-hammered in brass with a bronze rod gnomon. The dial plate has eight bas-relief panels depicting events in Washington State's history including the discoveries of Captain George Vancouver in 1792, the Medicine Creek Treaty between the US and Puget Sound Native Americans in 1854 and the first railroad to Puget Sound, built in 1883. The dial rests on a large slab of Wilkenson sandstone, the same material used in the nearby State Library, supported by four, one foot nine inch tall piers.
 
General Information:Inscription:
  • Owner: State of Washington
  • Inscribed with a quote from Marcus Aurelius-"Time is a sort of river passing events, and strong is its current."
  • Designer: John W. Elliot (1883-1971)
  • Builder: John W. Elliot (1883-1971)
  • Construction Date: 23-Jan-59
 
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