Old State House Museum | Little Rock

Information

Landmark: Old State House Museum
City: Little Rock
Country: USA Arkansas
Continent: North America

Old State House Museum, Little Rock, USA Arkansas, North America

The Old State House Museum is a historic building located in Little Rock, Arkansas, USA. It served as the seat of the Arkansas state government from 1833 to 1911.

Visual Characteristics

The building is a Greek Revival structure constructed primarily of brick. It features a prominent central dome, white columns supporting a portico, and a rectangular footprint. The exterior brickwork is painted a light color, contrasting with the darker roof and dome. The building stands three stories high.

Location & Access Logistics

The Old State House Museum is situated at 300 West Markham Street in downtown Little Rock. It is approximately 0.5km west of the Arkansas River. Parking is available in a paid lot directly behind the museum, accessible from Louisiana Street. Public transport options include the Little Rock METRO bus routes 1, 3, and 15, which stop within a 0.2km radius of the museum on Markham Street.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Construction of the Old State House began in 1833 and was completed in 1836. It was designed by architect John E. Brown. The building's original purpose was to house the legislative and executive branches of the Arkansas territorial and later state government. It has undergone several renovations, most notably in the early 20th century.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can explore exhibits detailing Arkansas's political history, including displays on the Civil War and Reconstruction eras. The House and Senate chambers have been restored to their 19th-century appearance. Guided tours are available daily, departing at 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM, and 4:00 PM. Self-guided tours are also permitted.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available on the first floor. Limited seating is provided within exhibit areas. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally strong within the building. No food vendors are located on-site, but several restaurants are within a 0.5km radius in the downtown area.

Best Time to Visit

The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and Sunday from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. It is closed on Mondays and major holidays. Mid-morning or mid-afternoon visits on weekdays tend to be less crowded. Lighting conditions inside are controlled for exhibit preservation, making time of day less critical for photography.

Facts & Legends

The Old State House is the only state capitol building in the United States to have been occupied by Confederate and Union forces during the Civil War. A specific tip for visitors is to look for the original inkwells still present in the restored legislative chambers.