Built on the site of a former penitentiary, construction began on the Arkansas State Capitol in Little Rock in 1899 by the prisoners who once lived there.
Designed in neo-classical revival, if you think it looks like the White House, you’re not alone. Sometimes it is referred to as a Mini-DC, and the building has been used in many films as a stand in. The dome is covered in 24 karat gold leaf and the bronze doors are Tiffany.
The building is exquisite to behold, initially it was estimated to cost less than $1 million, but ended up running more than double that.
Inside you can schedule a guided tour or take the self guided pamphlet route.
A plethora of interesting information about the state line the walls. Did you know the state fruit is the tomato, the state flower is the apple blossom, and the state nut is the pecan? Or that the state bird is the mockingbird and the state instrument is the fiddle?
Arkansas’s state motto is Regnat Populus, the people rule and its nickname is the Natural State. Just a few of the fun facts. There is a really thorough timeline beginning at European discovery dealing with economics and demographics.
See photographs of state senate throughout the years
The wars that Arkansas participated in are noted, covering less commonly studied ones such as the Indian Wars and the war with Spain.
Of course there are tributes to the Clinton Era.
Exploring the outdoor grounds is equally as fulfilling, as there are many historic sculptures and memorials outside. There are monuments to the Confederate past
and for those who served in a range of military campaigns.
A sculpture of the Little Rock Nine called ‘Testament’ is a beautiful memorial to the civil rights movement, the first of its kind located on State Capitol grounds in the south.
Surrounding the sculpture are plaques with inspirational quotes to contemplate.
This outdoor component makes a visit to the capitol worthy even if it is not available to tour the interior.
Good to know:
+Free parking is available
+Visit the Old State House, which is now a free museum