The Old State House, also known as the Arkansas State House is the oldest surviving state capitol building west of the Mississippi River. It was the site of Arkansas's May, 1861 secession debate, as well as the 1868 Constitutional Convention when delegates agreed to ensure voting rights for freedmen and to establish public schools. It is now the home of the Old State House Museum.
Video Old State House (Little Rock)
History
Commissioned by Territorial Governor John Pope, the Old State House was constructed between 1836 and 1842. Architect Gideon Shryock, who previously designed the Kentucky State Capitol in Frankfort, chose a Greek Revival style for the building. The original design was too expensive for the territory, so Shryock's assistant George Weigart changed the plans and oversaw construction.
Both houses of the Arkansas General Assembly moved into the building while construction was ongoing. On December 4, 1837, in the first session of the General Assembly, Speaker of the House of Representatives John Wilson killed Representative Major J.J. Anthony in a knife fight on the floor of the House.
Unionists prevailed at an initial, March, 1861 secession convention after the election of President Lincoln. However, after South Carolina fired on Fort Sumter and President Lincoln called up troops, on the morning of May 6, 1861 a second convention assembled at the Old State House. After debate, the ordinance for secession passed with five opposing votes. Four opposing delegates relented after unanimity was urged. Isaac Murphy, the delegate from Madison County (and future governor), held out despite enormous pressure.
During the American Civil War the building was used by Union troops occupying Little Rock. After the war ended, in January, 1868 the Old State House was the site of a constitutional convention to determine whether Arkansas would accept the 14th Amendment, permit suffrage for black males over 21, and create public schools for both black and white children. After contentious debate these proposals were approved in a new constitution that emerged that February, and was ratified in March. Also during Reconstruction the building was an object of contention in the so-called Brooks-Baxter War and was fortified during that struggle. The "Lady Baxter" cannon still remains on the grounds.
The building was used as the official state capitol until the new capitol building was constructed in 1912. For a time the building was used as a medical school.
The Old State House was renamed as the Arkansas War Memorial and was used as an office building for federal and state agencies as well as a meeting place for patriotic organizations.
In 1947 the General Assembly approved acts designating the Old State House as a museum. The museum front entrance was the site of President Bill Clinton's presidential campaign announcement and the site of his election night celebrations in both of his campaigns for the presidency. The building underwent major renovation in 1996.
It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1997.
The building continues to serve as a museum with exhibits related to Arkansas history and culture. Permanent collections include Civil War battle flags, the inaugural gowns of the First Ladies of Arkansas, Arkansas art pottery, and African-American quilts. Special exhibits are staged periodically as well.
Maps Old State House (Little Rock)
See also
- David O. Dodd Memorial
- List of National Historic Landmarks in Arkansas
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Little Rock, Arkansas
References
Further reading
- Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS) No. AR-32-1, "Old State Capitol Building, Markham & Center Streets, Little Rock, Pulaski County, AR"
- O'Donnell, William W. (1987). "Prelude to The Civil War Quadrennium". The Civil War Quadrennium: A Narrative History of Day-to-Day Life in Little Rock, Arkansas During the American War Between Northern and Southern States 1861-1865 (2nd ed.). Little Rock, Ark.: Civil War Round Table of Arkansas. pp. 1-14. LCCN 85-72643 - via Horton Brothers Printing Company.
External links
- Official website
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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