The Old State House Museum in Little Rock is the oldest surviving capitol building west of the Mississippi River. It is one of the most famous buildings in the state and at Christmas time, the curators of the museum dress her up in splendid holiday décor.  

The Old State House has been the center of Arkansas’ political history from 1842 to the backdrop of Bill Clinton’s announcement to run for the U.S. presidency and election night watch parties in 1992 and 1996. Because of its historical significance, it was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1997.  

The plans for the State House were imagined by Gov. John Polk during the territorial period as a place to house all branches of the new state’s government. Architect Gideon Shryock was hired to draw up plans for a Greek Revival structure. Construction was under way in 1836 when Arkansas became a state.  Originally the House and the Senate were in the center of the building with the executive branch and the judicial branch having offices on the west and east of the legislative branch.  

The building was used as Arkansas’ State House until 1911. At the time, it needed major repairs and remodeling. In addition, state government had outgrown the building. Plans were made to build a new state Capitol. Following the completion of the new capitol building, the University of Arkansas for Medical Science moved into the old building and used parts of the structure until 1935.  Other organizations shared the building during this time, including the American Legion, which provided services to war veterans. Patriotic and civic organizations used the building in its past, including the Daughters of the American Revolution, Arkansas Pioneer Association, the Boy Scouts and the Girl Scouts.  

In 1947, with the help of many community organizations, the Arkansas General Assembly voted to restore and turn the Old State House into a museum. After undergoing a massive remodeling, which included replacing the roof and strengthening the foundation, the Old State House opened as a museum in 1951. It continues to operate as one of the state’s finest museums, housing many of Arkansas’ archives and relics. There are both permanent and ever-changing exhibits that highlight Arkansas people and history.

Any time of year is a good time to visit the Old State House, but at Christmas it takes on a beautiful glow.   The building is decorated with Christmas trees, lights, ornaments and garland. It is located at 300 West Markham St. in Downtown Little Rock.  It is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday. The only days it closes is Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas and New Year’s Day.

The Old State House Museum is another one of Arkansas’ gems, so get out and experience Arkansas history and the beauty of this special historical building in the 501.