Old State Capitol (Milledgeville, Georgia) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Old State Capitol
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Old Georgia State Capitol, photograph by L. D. Andrew for the Historic American Buildings Survey
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 Location in Georgia (U.S. state)
Location in the United States
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| Location | Greene St., Milledgeville, Georgia |
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| Area | 5 acres (2.0 ha) |
| Built | 1807 |
| Built by | Gen. Jett Thomas, Joseph Lane |
| Architectural style | Gothic Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 70000195 |
| Added to NRHP | May 13, 1970 |
The Old State Capitol is a historic building in Milledgeville, Georgia. It was once the main government building for the state of Georgia. This important building was added to the National Register of Historic Places on May 13, 1970. You can find it on Greene Street in Milledgeville.
Before Milledgeville, Georgia's capital city was Louisville, Georgia. But on December 12, 1804, state leaders decided to make Milledgeville the new capital. They chose Milledgeville because it was more central. In 1805, they set aside $60,000 to build a new capitol building. They also planned a new city around it, similar to Savannah, Georgia, and Washington D.C.. Jett Thomas and John B. Scott were the main builders for this big project.
Contents
Building Georgia's Capitol
Early Days of the Capitol
The Georgia Legislature, which is like the state's law-making group, met in the new building for the first time in 1807. Even then, the building was not fully finished. It was a grand place, and famous visitors came to see it. One such visitor was the Marquis de Lafayette in 1825. He was a French hero who helped America win its independence. He visited the capitol during his tour of the United States.
Expanding the Capitol Building
Over the years, the Old State Capitol grew bigger. New sections were added to the north and south sides in 1828 and 1834. These additions made more space for the government's work. In 1835, beautiful porticoes were added to the east and west sides. These were like large porches with granite steps, making the building look even more impressive.
A Place of Important Decisions
The Secession Convention
The Old State Capitol was the site of many important events in Georgia's history. One of the most significant was the Georgia Secession Convention in 1861. During this meeting, state leaders voted on whether Georgia should leave the United States. On January 19, 1861, they voted for secession, meaning Georgia decided to separate from the Union.
During the Civil War
During the American Civil War, Governor Joe Brown worked from this building. He managed Georgia's state militia and had disagreements with Confederate President Jefferson Davis. Governor Brown also used the nearby Governor's Mansion for his work.
Sherman's March and Moving the Capital
As the Civil War continued, Union Army General William Tecumseh Sherman marched his troops through Georgia. Governor Brown and others left the capitol before Sherman's army arrived. Union soldiers occupied Milledgeville on November 23, 1864. The Old Capitol building was damaged during this time. Buildings that stored weapons, called armories and magazines, on Statehouse Square were destroyed.
After the war, during a time called Reconstruction, Georgia's leaders decided to move the capital. In 1868, the state government moved to Atlanta. Atlanta was growing and seen as a symbol of the "New South." Milledgeville, on the other hand, was connected to the "Old South."
The Capitol's New Life
After the capital moved, the Old State Capitol building found new uses. From 1871 to 1879, it served as the court house for Baldwin County, Georgia. Later, it became home to the Middle Georgia Military and Agricultural College. This college later changed its name to Georgia Military College in 1900. Today, the historic building is still the center of the college campus. You can even take tours to learn more about its long and interesting history.
See also
