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 old and important building. It is the oldest state capitol building still standing west of the Mississippi River. This historic place was where Arkansas leaders decided to leave the United States before the American Civil War. It was also where they later met to create a new state constitution. In this new constitution, they made sure that formerly enslaved people could vote. 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 building of the State House. Construction started in 1833 and finished in 1842. The main architect, Gideon Shryock, had also designed Kentucky's State Capitol. He chose the Greek Revival style for the building. This style looks like ancient Greek temples.
The first design was too expensive for the Arkansas Territory. So, Shryock's helper, George Weigart, changed the plans. He then supervised the building process. The Arkansas General Assembly (the state's lawmakers) even started using the building while it was still being built. In 1837, during the first meeting of the General Assembly, a serious argument happened between two lawmakers.
The Civil War Years
In March 1861, Arkansas leaders met at the State House. They debated whether to leave the United States. At first, those who wanted to stay in the Union won the vote. However, after the attack on Fort Sumter and President Abraham Lincoln asked for soldiers, things changed.
On May 6, 1861, a second meeting took place at the State House. After a big discussion, Arkansas voted to leave the Union. Only five people voted against it. Four of them later changed their votes to make it unanimous. But one delegate, Isaac Murphy, refused to change his mind. He was from Madison County.
Later in the war, in September 1863, Union soldiers won a battle nearby. They then took over the State House. They used the building for the rest of the war.
After the Civil War
After the American Civil War ended, another important meeting happened here. Leaders decided if Arkansas would accept the 14th Amendment. This amendment gave rights to all citizens, including formerly enslaved people. They also discussed allowing black men over 21 to vote. And they talked about creating public schools for both black and white children.
After many debates, these ideas were approved in a new constitution in 1868. This new constitution was then accepted by the people. During this time, called Reconstruction, the State House was also part of a conflict. This conflict was known as the Brooks–Baxter War. The building was made stronger to protect it during this time. A cannon called "Lady Baxter" from that period is still on the State House grounds today.
In 1877, a beautiful fountain was placed in front of the State House. It was a copy of one shown at a big fair in Philadelphia in 1876. A new version of this fountain is there now. In 1885, a statue of three women, representing Law, Justice, and Mercy, was placed on top of the building. But it was taken down in 1928.
New Uses for the Building
The Old State House was the state capitol until 1912. That's when the new capitol building was finished. For a while, the Old State House was used as a medical school. After that, it became a memorial for Arkansas soldiers. It also held offices for government groups and was a meeting place for patriotic clubs.
In 1947, the state government decided to make the Old State House a museum. The front of the building became famous in the 1990s. President Bill Clinton announced his campaign for president there in 1991. He also celebrated his election wins there in 1992 and 1996.
The building had a big makeover in 1996. In 1997, it was named a National Historic Landmark. This means it's a very important historical site. Today, the Old State House is still a museum. It shows exhibits about Arkansas history and culture. You can see old battle flags, the fancy dresses of Arkansas's First Ladies, and beautiful art pottery. They also have special exhibits that change over time.
Inside the Old State House
Building Layouts
See also
- David O. Dodd Memorial
- List of National Historic Landmarks in Arkansas
- List of the oldest buildings in Arkansas
- MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Little Rock, Arkansas
