Old Mississippi State Capitol facts for kids
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Old State Capitol
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Old State Capitol in 2018
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 Location in Mississippi
Location in the United States
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| Location | 100 N. State St., Jackson, Mississippi |
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| Built | 1839 |
| Architect | William Nichols |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 69000087 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | November 25, 1969 |
| Designated NHL | December 14, 1990 |
The Old Mississippi State Capitol is a very important building in Mississippi. It's also called the Old Capitol Museum or just the Old State Capitol. This building was where the state government of Mississippi met from 1839 until 1903.
The Old State Capitol was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1969. This means it's a special place worth protecting. In 1986, it became a Mississippi Landmark. Then, in 1990, it was named a National Historic Landmark, which is an even higher honor.
Contents
History of the Old Capitol
How the Building Was Built
Work on the Old State Capitol began in 1833. At first, there were some problems with the architect and the building materials. The first architect, John Lawrence, was replaced in 1836. A new architect, William Nichols, took over. He made sure the three-story building was finished in 1840.
The outside of the building was made from brick, limestone, and stucco. A round, copper dome on top reached about 28 meters (94 feet) above the first floor. Inside, most of the building was made of wood. However, some walls were made of brick, and the floor in the round main hall was made of flat stones.
Important Events at the Capitol
From 1839 to 1903, the Old Capitol was the center of Mississippi's government. Many important laws and decisions were made here:
- In 1839, a law called the Married Women's Property Act was passed. This was the first law in any state that allowed married women to own property on their own.
- In 1861, a special order was passed for Mississippi to leave the United States.
- In 1865, a meeting called the Constitutional Convention was held.
- Another Constitutional Convention took place in 1868. At this meeting, African Americans were given political rights.
- In 1875, a plan called the Mississippi Plan helped bring back white rule in the state.
- The Constitutional Convention of 1890 created the rules that Mississippi still follows today.
After a new state capitol building was finished in 1903, the old one was left empty. It stayed empty until 1916, when it was fixed up for state offices. By 1960, all state offices had moved out. The building was then renovated again to become the State Historical Museum in 1961.
In August 2005, a big storm called Hurricane Katrina hit. Strong winds ripped off parts of the copper roof. About a month later, rain from Hurricane Rita got inside the building. This damaged the ceilings, walls, decorations, and even some historical items. Repairs and renovations were done between 2007 and 2009. The museum then reopened to visitors. Today, the Old Capitol Museum is managed by the Mississippi Department of Archives and History.
Gallery
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Old Mississippi State Capitol; February 20, 1940
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Supreme Court Chamber in the Old Mississippi Capitol building. Desk for counsel for the appellee.
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Old Mississippi State Capitol House of Representatives chamber.
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Old Mississippi State Capitol rotunda.
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Old Mississippi State Capitol Senate Chamber
See also
