Analysis of deformation and stress field in a circular elastic cylinder under the extension is presented, with emphasis on the end effect. The problem is formulated on the basis of the state space formalism for axisymmetric deformation of transversely isotropic materials. A rigorous solution that satisfies the prescribed end conditions is determined by using symplectic eigenfunction expansion, thereby, the applicability of the Saint-Venant solution is examined. The results show that the end effect is significant but confined to a local region near the base of the cylinder where the end plane is perfectly bonded or subjected to a concentrated load. As the axial stiffness increases, the end effect on the stress state increases at the loaded end but decreases at the bonded end. The displacement and stress distributions across the section are uniform throughout the length of the cylinder except near the ends.