Cornerstone

The cornerstone is located on the southwest corner of the capitol. The original cornerstone was laid in November 1871. It was 7 x 3 x 3 feet and inscribed with the names of capitol commissioners. Inside the cornerstone were 40 items. Weaknesses were found in that first foundation and in 1873 a new commission was formed, a new foundation laid and the corner stone re-inscribed. IOWA. 1873 AD is the inscription you will find today. The same 40 items were returned to the cornerstone and another box added that brought the legislative history up to date.