The History Of The Old State Capitol Of Arkansas

Arkansas's Old State House, arguably the most famous building in the state, was conceived during the territorial period and has served through statehood. A History of Arkansas's Old State House traces the history of the architecture and purposes of the remarkable building. The history begins with Gov. John Pope's ideas for a symbolic state house for Arkansas and continues through the construction years and an expansion in 1885. After years of deterioration, the building was abandoned by the state government, and the Old State House then became a medical school and office building. Kwas traces the subsequent fight for the building's preservation on to its use today as a popular museum of Arkansas history and culture. Brief biographies of secretaries of state, preservationists, caretakers, and others are included, and the book is generously illustrated with early and seldom-seen photographs, drawings, and memorabilia.

To the present generation of Arkansans the capitol building in Little Rock is what most capitol buildings are supposed to be; the symbol of state government, the repository of political and legal administration, the seat at civil authority. The building has the appearance of many other state capitols in America. Colossal in size and yet trim in its lines, it overlooks the city in all directions. Its beautiful, well-kept grounds are the pride of Arkansas, while the historical markers that stand on the front lawn remind us of her people's sentiment for the state's history. But the Arkansas State Capitol has a history at its own, a history that cannot be written in terms of architectural design, of tons of concrete poured, or of setting stone upon stones. Rather its history was written against the flamboyant and often ruthless tide of Southern politics characterizing the first two decades of the twentieth century. Its story can but be told in terms of personalities, of ambitions, of politics, and of graft and corruption is an age dominated by such colorful political figures as Daniel Jones, Jeff Davis, George Donaghey, and Joe T. Robinson.

A historical museum in Arkansas' original State Capitol, built 1836.

"Fay Jones School of Architecture, University of Arkansas Press, a collaboration, Fayettville 2014"--Page 4 of cover.

There is a saying, "It was a Friday night and it seemed like a good idea at the time." That sums up the beginning of the State Capitols Project. When Jane Moorman told her brother of her idea of photographing state capitols, he said, "You do know there are 50 states and two of them you can't drive to." Her answer was, "Your point is? It gives me a good reason to visit every state." Each state's capitol has its own unique beauty that reflects the state's personality when it was built. Arkansas' capitol features bronze front doors purchased from Tiffany's of New York in 1910, circular legislative chambers with stained-glass skylights, and a pigskin leather door entering the Senate chamber.