Confederate State Capitol building (Arkansas) facts for kids
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Confederate State Capitol
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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Main façade of the State House
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 Location in Arkansas
Location in the United States
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| Location | Washington, Arkansas |
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| Built | 1836 |
| Architect | Tillman L. Patterson |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival |
| Part of | Washington Historic District (ID72000204) |
| NRHP reference No. | 72000203 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | May 19, 1972 |
| Designated NHL | April 19, 1994 |
| Designated CP | June 20, 1972 |
The Confederate State Capitol building in Washington, Arkansas is a very important historical place. It served as the capital for the Confederate government of Arkansas during the American Civil War. This happened from 1863 to 1865, after the city of Little Rock, Arkansas was taken over by Union forces.
Today, this historic building is part of Historic Washington State Park. It is also recognized as a National Historic Landmark, which means it's a place of special historical importance in the United States.
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About the Old Capitol Building
This historic building is made of wood and has two stories. It is about 44 feet (13 meters) wide and 34 feet (10 meters) deep. The building sits on a strong brick foundation. Its roof is covered with cedar shakes, which are like wooden tiles.
Inside, each floor has a large main room. The room on the ground floor was originally used as a courtroom. The room upstairs was a meeting place for local groups, including the Masons. The front entrance has a small porch with a triangular roof, which shows off a style called Greek Revival. There are also chimneys on both sides of the building.
A Building with Many Lives
The building was first built in 1836. It was the second courthouse for Hempstead County, Arkansas, replacing an older log cabin courthouse from 1824. It served as the county court until 1874, when a new brick courthouse was built.
During the American Civil War, something very important happened here. In September 1863, Union Army forces captured Little Rock, Arkansas. Because of this, Governor Harris Flanagin decided to move the state government. He chose Washington as the new capital. The Confederate state government then used this building until the war ended in 1865.
After its time as a courthouse, the building changed roles many times. From 1874 until 1914, it was used as a school. Later, it became a private home until 1928. That year, a group called the United Daughters of the Confederacy helped the state buy the building. Now, it is a key part of Historic Washington State Park, helping visitors learn about its long history.
Recognized for its History
The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970. This list includes places important to American history. In 1994, it was also named part of the Camden Expedition Sites National Historic Landmark District. This means it's part of a group of sites that are very important to the history of the Civil War.
See Also
