Arkansas State Capitol, Little Rock (must see)

The Arkansas State Capitol, commonly known as the Capitol Building, serves as the home of the Arkansas General Assembly and the seat of the state government. Situated atop Capitol Hill at the eastern end of the Capitol Mall in Little Rock, the building stands as a testament to the state’s architectural and political history.

In 1899, architect George R. Mann presented his Montana State Capitol design to Arkansas Governor Daniel W. Jones, sparking interest in a new Capitol. Mann was chosen as lead architect, but future governor George W. Donaghey opposed him, favoring a national competition. After becoming governor in 1908, Donaghey replaced Mann with Cass Gilbert to complete the project.

The Capitol’s construction spanned 16 years, from 1899 to 1915, and took place on the site of the state penitentiary. Prisoners played a significant role in building the structure, residing in a dormitory on the Capitol grounds throughout the process. The original foundation, laid by Donaghey, was misaligned due to its reliance on the penitentiary walls, which were not in line with the grid street pattern of downtown Little Rock. As a result, the Capitol was inadvertently positioned in a north-south orientation, deviating from the east-west alignment of Fifth Street (now Capitol Avenue). This misalignment led to the creation of a slight S-curve in the formal entrance walkway.

The Capitol’s exterior features Batesville limestone, while Yule marble was also incorporated into its construction. The building’s grand entrance boasts 10-foot-tall, four-inch-thick bronze doors, crafted by Tiffany & Company of New York. Atop the Capitol, the cupola and dome are adorned with 24-karat gold leaf, adding to the structure’s grandeur.

Previously, the state government operated from the Old State House before relocating to the new Capitol. Today, the Capitol grounds house numerous monuments and memorials, reflecting various aspects of Arkansas’s past and present. These commemorative structures enhance the Capitol’s role as a historic and cultural landmark in Arkansas.

Why You Should Visit:
To get an up-close look at the legislators at work. To stand in the same places where several historical events took place that shaped Arkansas into what it is today.

Tip:
Be sure to walk the grounds after touring the building, as there are more than 50 different types of roses, 40 different trees, and 15 monuments and memorials.