Little Rock History Walking Tour (Self Guided), Little Rock

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.

The Arkansas Vietnam Veterans Memorial stands as a solemn tribute to the 662 Arkansans who lost their lives or went missing in action during the Vietnam War. Located on the southeast corner of the Arkansas State Capitol grounds at 6th and Woodlane in Little Rock, the memorial is a significant site of remembrance and reflection.

Dedicated on March 7, 1987, in a ceremony attended by retired U.S. Army General William C. Westmoreland, the memorial consists of a circular granite wall inscribed with the names of the fallen. A striking bronze statue of an infantryman, designed by John Deering, was added later that year on November 11, Veterans Day. The statue stands on a base inscribed with the names of the five branches of the U.S. military, symbolizing the unity of service members who fought in Vietnam.

As one of the earliest state capitol-based Vietnam War memorials in the country, the site continues to serve as a gathering place for veterans, families, and visitors, particularly on Memorial Day and Veterans Day, when commemorative ceremonies are held. Surrounding the Arkansas Vietnam Veterans Memorial are several other monuments honoring service members and historical events, including the Monument to Confederate Soldiers, the Liberty Bell replica, and the Arkansas Medal of Honor Memorial.

The Arkansas Vietnam Veterans Memorial stands as a powerful reminder of the cost of war and the enduring gratitude of a state for those who served.

Central High School is one of the most interesting and important attractions in Little Rock. It is the only open high school in the United States that is considered to be a National Historic Site. Guests who visit this school will learn about the hurdles and issues that nine African American children dealt with more than 60 years ago during their first few days at the school. Learning about these struggles will help the public comprehend how these nine young individuals paved the way for a better education for all African Americans in this country.

The goal of the Central High School National Historic Site is to preserve the history and present it to the public in hopes of teaching and educating on the ending period of segregation in schools and the Civil Rights Movement. When you step into the high school, you will be taken back to 1957 when Brown v. Board of Education was implemented and desegregation of schools was beginning. The stories and valuable objects are inspiring and worth seeing.

Admission to Central High School National Historic Site is free.

Why You Should Visit:
To learn about an important day in history when integration in schools began. To step back to a past time and learn about the struggles that occurred during the Civil Rights Movement.

Nestled in the historic Quapaw Quarter of downtown Little Rock, Mount Holly Cemetery stands as a monument to Arkansas’s past, earning its nickname as the “Westminster Abbey of Arkansas.” Established in 1843, this cemetery is the final resting place of some of the most influential figures in the state's history, from governors and senators to Confederate generals, literary figures, and everyday citizens.

Mount Holly is both a historic landmark and an active burial ground, still serving as a site of remembrance for many families. The cemetery boasts a stunning collection of funerary art, featuring everything from Neo-Classical sculptures to Victorian and Art Deco headstones, making it a draw for history buffs and art lovers alike. The Pulaski County Master Gardeners maintain its picturesque, park-like grounds, ensuring a peaceful and well-preserved environment.

One of Mount Holly’s most poignant stories is that of Quatie Ross, the wife of Cherokee Chief John Ross. She died in 1839 while traveling the Trail of Tears and was originally buried elsewhere before being reinterred at Mount Holly.

Mount Holly isn’t just a site for quiet reflection—it’s a hub for living history. Every October, Parkview Arts and Science Magnet High School students bring the past to life during “Tales of the Crypt,” where they perform monologues at the gravesites of historical figures, fully dressed in period costumes. Though it coincides with Halloween, this event is about history, not hauntings.

Springtime brings the annual picnic, a fundraiser for cemetery upkeep, while the monthly Garden Series, hosted by the Downtown Dames, draws gardening enthusiasts for outdoor inspiration.

Thousands of visitors explore Mount Holly Cemetery each year, whether for self-guided history tours, artistic appreciation, or personal connections. With its rich blend of Arkansas heritage, stunning monuments, and community traditions, Mount Holly is far more than a cemetery—it’s a window into the soul of the state.