Since 1833 the oldest surviving capitol building west of the Mississippi River has seen a fatal knife fight between two legislators on the floor of the state House of Representatives, the 1861 secession debate, and two acceptance speeches by United States Presidents. The Old State House Museum was the original state capitol of Arkansas and now covers the history of the state, free of charge.
The historic fountain in front was made by an Alabama firm that created cannons for the confederacy, it has since been replaced but you can find a fragment of the 1876 fountain inside.
Follow 100 years of Arkansas politics and see how times change.
Learn about more modern politicians from the area, such as the Clintons.
Upstairs the Cabinet of Curiosities was a lot of fun, eclectic and bizarre. You’ll find unique objects such as this engraved tree fungus from 1885.
The fabulous outfit of Charles von Berg, a frontiersman from Fayetteville and close friend of Buffalo Bill.
A Bonnie and Clyde machine gun, taken from the back of their car.
Legend has it that the gun was found after the accident in Wellington, Texas that burned Parker’s leg.
Good to know:
Visitors can park at the neighboring Double Tree Hotel parking garage and receive the first hour free, make sure to get validated