Old State House (Little Rock, Arkansas) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Old State House |
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The south façade of Old State House
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| Former names | Arkansas State House |
| Alternative names | Old State House Museum |
| General information | |
| Status | Used as a museum |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival |
| Address | 300 W. Markham St. |
| Town or city | Little Rock, Arkansas |
| Country | United States |
| Coordinates | 34°44′56.3″N 92°16′21.5″W / 34.748972°N 92.272639°W |
| Current tenants | Old State House Museum |
| Construction started | 1833 |
| Completed | 1842 |
| Client | State of Arkansas |
| Owner | State of Arkansas |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | Gideon Shryock George Weigart |
| NRHP reference No. | 69000037 |
| Significant dates | |
| Added to NRHP | December 03, 1969 |
| Designated NHL | December 9, 1997 |
The Old State House, once known as the Arkansas State House, is a very important historical building. It is the oldest state capitol building still standing west of the Mississippi River. This grand building served as Arkansas's main government center from 1842 until 1912. That's when the new Arkansas State Capitol was finished.
Many key moments in Arkansas history happened here. It was the place where leaders met to decide if Arkansas would leave the United States before the American Civil War. It was also where a special meeting took place to create a new state constitution. During this meeting, leaders agreed to give voting rights to formerly enslaved people, called freedmen. They also decided to create public schools for all children.
Contents
History of the Old State House
Building the State House
Governor John Pope ordered the construction of the State House. It was built between 1833 and 1842. The architect, Gideon Shryock, chose a Greek Revival style. This style uses ideas from ancient Greek buildings, like tall columns and grand entrances.
Shryock had also designed the Kentucky State Capitol. His first plan for Arkansas was too expensive. So, his assistant, George Weigart, changed the designs and managed the building work. Even while it was still being built, the Arkansas General Assembly (the state's lawmakers) started using the building. During an early meeting in 1837, a very serious argument took place between two lawmakers.
The Civil War Years
The Old State House played a big role during the American Civil War. In March 1861, after Abraham Lincoln became president, Arkansas leaders met here. They discussed whether Arkansas should leave the United States. At first, most wanted to stay.
But after South Carolina attacked Fort Sumter, things changed. President Lincoln asked states to send soldiers. On May 6, 1861, another meeting happened at the State House. After much debate, Arkansas voted to leave the Union. Only one delegate, Isaac Murphy, voted against it.
In September 1863, Union soldiers won the Battle of Bayou Fourche. They then took over the State House. They used the building for the rest of the war.
Rebuilding Arkansas After the War
After the Civil War ended, the State House was again a place for big decisions. Another special meeting was held to create a new state constitution. This meeting decided if Arkansas would accept the Fourteenth Amendment. This amendment gave important rights to all citizens.
The leaders also discussed allowing Black men over 21 to vote. They talked about creating public schools for both Black and white children. After many discussions, these ideas were approved in a new constitution in 1868.
During this time, the State House was also involved in a conflict called the Brooks–Baxter War. The building was made stronger to protect it during this struggle. A cannon named "Lady Baxter" from that time is still on the grounds today. A beautiful fountain, first shown at a big exhibition in 1876, was placed in front of the State House in 1877. A new version of this fountain is there now. In 1885, a statue of three figures representing Law, Justice, and Mercy was placed on top of the building. It was removed in 1928.
From Capitol to Museum
The Old State House served as Arkansas's capitol until 1912. That's when the new capitol building was finished. For a while, it was used as a medical school. Later, it became a memorial for Arkansas soldiers. It also housed offices for government groups and meeting places for patriotic clubs.
In 1947, the state government decided to turn the State House into a museum. The front entrance of the building became famous in 1991. That's where President Bill Clinton announced he was running for president. He also celebrated his election wins there in 1992 and 1996.
The building had major repairs in 1996. In 1997, it was named a National Historic Landmark. This means it's a very important place in American history. Today, the Old State House is a museum. It shows exhibits about Arkansas's history and culture. You can see old battle flags, the fancy dresses of Arkansas's First Ladies, and beautiful handmade quilts. The museum also has special exhibits that change over time.
Inside the Old State House
Building Layouts and Rooms
These images show the different floor plans of the Old State House. They help us understand how the building was laid out. You can see the foundation, the first floor, and the second floor. These plans show how the rooms were used back in 1933.
See also
- David O. Dodd Memorial
- List of National Historic Landmarks in Arkansas
- List of the oldest buildings in Arkansas
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Little Rock, Arkansas
