The first state capitol of Arkansas and the oldest standing state capitol building west of the Mississippi is now the Old State House Museum in downtown Little Rock.
Some other interesting facts about the building, taken from the self-guided tour tip sheet and brochures at the museum:
* Slaves helped construct the Old State House from 1833-1846 by making bricks on the site.
* The steamship Ozark sank in the Arkansas River with a cargo of limestone intended for use in building the Old State House.
* A state representative was killed in the original House Chamber in 1837 by the Speaker of the House during a legislative session.
* The Union Army utilized the Old State House as its Arkansas headquarters after it occupied Little Rock in 1863.
* The Old State House once had columns on the side facing the Arkansas River just like the columns on the side facing Markham Street.
* The Old State House was the site of the Crossett Experiment that led to the eradication of malaria-bearing mosquitoes and was the first home of the University of Arkansas School of Medicine.
* President Bill Clinton made his election night speeches in 1992 and in 1996 at the Old State House.
* The Old State House was named a National Historic Landmark in 1997.
Even the grounds of the museum are educational. This photo was taken today out on the grounds, which feature monuments to characters of Arkansas history along with this stone marker my kindergarten child attempted to read!
More information about the treasures of history held at Old State House can be found at www.oldstatehouse.com. Admission to the museum is free.
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