This beautiful antebellum structure (c.a. 1836) houses various exhibits about the Arkansas' history and culture. It served as Arkansas' capitol building for 85 years. The picturesque courtyard in front of the building is surrounded by a wrought-iron fence and includes a brick walkway leading up to a magnificent fountain set amongst a flower garden. The white facade of the building features four large columns, a balcony, and state seal of Arkansas in gold.
Inside, you can watch a short film about the building's history narrated by former U.S. President Bill Clinton. Clinton gave his inaugural speeches here in both 1992 and 1996. Hillary Clinton's inaugural gown is featured in an exhibit about the state's first ladies. Other permanent collections include Civil War artifacts, African-American arts and crafts, and political memorabilia. The house chambers, formerly used by the state legislature and supreme court, still appear as they did when this building was the capitol.
Changing exhibits are also featured at the museum. When we were there, it was about Arkansas' musical heritage. Exhibits displayed memorabilia about and belonging to native Arkansans such as Johnny Cash, Floyd Cramer, Al Green, and many others.
The grounds feature several monuments, one of which honors David Dodd. Dodd was a young Little Rock native who was executed by Yankee soldiers for being a Confederate spy.
The Old State House is open Monday through Saturday from 9am to 5pm and on Sundays from 1 to 5pm. Admission is free. Give yourself plenty of time here, as there is lots to see. We had to go back a second day because we didn't give ourselves enough time the first day.