Old State House Museum, Little Rock (must see)
The Old State House Museum in Little Rock stands as a testament to the state's rich and often tumultuous history. Constructed in 1833 and completed in 1836, it originally served as the first state capitol building of Arkansas and remains the oldest standing state capitol west of the Mississippi River. Designed in the Greek Revival style by architect Gideon Shryock, the building symbolized a young state's connection to the ideals of democracy rooted in ancient Greece.
The Old State House has witnessed key moments in Arkansas history, from statehood and secession to medical research and a violent legislative knife fight. It changed hands during the Civil War and hosted the 1868 Constitutional Convention, which established legal equality, voting rights for freedmen, and segregated public education. Today, the museum preserves artifacts like quilts by Black Arkansans, photos by Geleve Grice, and music by Louis Jordan.
In 1947, the Old State House was repurposed as a museum by the Arkansas legislature, a role it continues to fulfill. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1969 and later designated a National Historic Landmark in 1997. Visitors to the museum can explore a variety of exhibits, such as Pillars of Power, which delves into the history of the building itself, and Arkansas鈥� First Families, showcasing gowns worn by the state鈥檚 First Ladies. The preserved 1836 and 1885 House of Representatives chambers further immerse visitors in the political history of the state.
Beyond its exhibits, the Old State House Museum offers a range of visitor experiences, including guided and self-guided tours, educational programs, and event spaces like the Riverfront Room and the historic front lawn, which features monuments and a notable fountain. Situated in downtown Little Rock, this National Historic Landmark continues to play a crucial role in preserving, interpreting, and celebrating Arkansas' past while remaining open to the public as a center for historical exploration and learning.
Why You Should Visit:
Visit the Old State House to learn about several important moments in Arkansas' history, which also contributed to the history of the United States. To set your eyes on the many fascinating artifacts from an earlier time in history.
Tip:
There is a guided tour option available for visitors, which is offered every hour and last about 50 minutes. The tours are led by a professional tour guide, and no reservation is needed. However, guided tours are not necessary at the Old State House Museum. There is also a self-guided tour option in which visitors can use their cell phones to learn information.
The Old State House has witnessed key moments in Arkansas history, from statehood and secession to medical research and a violent legislative knife fight. It changed hands during the Civil War and hosted the 1868 Constitutional Convention, which established legal equality, voting rights for freedmen, and segregated public education. Today, the museum preserves artifacts like quilts by Black Arkansans, photos by Geleve Grice, and music by Louis Jordan.
In 1947, the Old State House was repurposed as a museum by the Arkansas legislature, a role it continues to fulfill. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1969 and later designated a National Historic Landmark in 1997. Visitors to the museum can explore a variety of exhibits, such as Pillars of Power, which delves into the history of the building itself, and Arkansas鈥� First Families, showcasing gowns worn by the state鈥檚 First Ladies. The preserved 1836 and 1885 House of Representatives chambers further immerse visitors in the political history of the state.
Beyond its exhibits, the Old State House Museum offers a range of visitor experiences, including guided and self-guided tours, educational programs, and event spaces like the Riverfront Room and the historic front lawn, which features monuments and a notable fountain. Situated in downtown Little Rock, this National Historic Landmark continues to play a crucial role in preserving, interpreting, and celebrating Arkansas' past while remaining open to the public as a center for historical exploration and learning.
Why You Should Visit:
Visit the Old State House to learn about several important moments in Arkansas' history, which also contributed to the history of the United States. To set your eyes on the many fascinating artifacts from an earlier time in history.
Tip:
There is a guided tour option available for visitors, which is offered every hour and last about 50 minutes. The tours are led by a professional tour guide, and no reservation is needed. However, guided tours are not necessary at the Old State House Museum. There is also a self-guided tour option in which visitors can use their cell phones to learn information.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Little Rock. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Old State House Museum on Map
Sight Name: Old State House Museum
Sight Location: Little Rock, USA (See walking tours in Little Rock)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Little Rock, USA (See walking tours in Little Rock)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Little Rock, Arkansas
Create Your Own Walk in Little Rock
Creating your own self-guided walk in Little Rock is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Little Rock Introduction Walking Tour
Little Rock, the capital of Arkansas, is a cultural, economic, government, and transportation center of the State. Sitting on the south bank of the Arkansas River, it became the capital of Arkansas Territory in 1821 and was incorporated as a city in 1831.
The name "Little Rock" (French: La Petite Roche) was coined by the French explorer and trader Jean-Baptiste B茅nard de la Harpe in... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
The name "Little Rock" (French: La Petite Roche) was coined by the French explorer and trader Jean-Baptiste B茅nard de la Harpe in... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
Bill Clinton's Little Rock
Bill Clinton, the 42nd President of the United States and the former Governor of Arkansas, has strong ties to Little Rock, where several significant locations mark his legacy. Besides the Capitol, you can see many other places where he spent time while living in the city. These locations reveal a lot about his character, hobbies, and job.
The Clinton Presidential Library stands as a symbol of... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.7 Km or 3.5 Miles
The Clinton Presidential Library stands as a symbol of... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.7 Km or 3.5 Miles
Little Rock History Walking Tour
Lying in the heart of the State of Arkansas, separated from its sister city of North Little Rock by the Arkansas River, the city of Little Rock boasts an abundance of cultural attractions and monumental landmarks, which have been luring tourists for more than a century. Among them are a bunch of family-friendly locations that saw momentous events in American history.
One such notable site is... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
One such notable site is... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles