Downtown in Little Rock in Pulaski County, Arkansas — The American South (West South Central)
The Old State House
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 16, 2015
1. The Old State House Marker
This building was the site of the Arkansas Secession Convention of 1861 and seat of the Confederate Government until 1863. After the capture of Little Rock by Federal forces the Old State House became headquarters of a Unionist State Government led by Isaac Murphy.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Notable Buildings • War, US Civil. A significant historical year for this entry is 1861.
Location. 34° 44.941′ N, 92° 16.335′ W. Marker is in Little Rock, Arkansas, in Pulaski County. It is in Downtown. Marker can be reached from the intersection of West Markham Street and Ashley Street, on the right when traveling west. Marker is located in the courtyard on the east side of the Old State House Museum. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 300 West Markham Street, Little Rock AR 72201, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. In Memory of Herman Davis (here, next to this marker); Mexican-American War Memorial (here, next to this marker); Civil War Memorial (here, next to this marker); A Tribute to Gen. Wm. Read Scurry (a few steps from this marker); War of 1812 Memorial (a few steps from this marker); 150th Anniversary of the War Between the States (a few steps from this marker);
this page online
Regarding The Old State House. National Register of Historic Places #69000037.
Also see . . .
1. Old State House. Wikipedia entry:
Unionists prevailed at an initial, March 1861, secession convention after the 1860 election of Abraham Lincoln. However, after South Carolina fired on Fort Sumter and Lincoln called up troops, on the morning of May 6, 1861, a second secession convention assembled at the State House. After intense debate, an ordinance of secession passed. Isaac Murphy, a delegate from Madison County, held out despite enormous pressure. After the Union victory at the Battle of Bayou Fourche in September 1863, Federal troops occupied the building for the rest of the war. (Submitted on October 7, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
2. Old State House Museum. Arkansas Heritage website entry:
The Old State House Museum is the original state capitol of Arkansas. Since 1833, when construction began, the building and its grounds have witnessed many of the most important events in Arkansas history. The Old State House has hosted the admission of Arkansas
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 16, 2015
2. The Old State House Marker
3. Isaac Murphy (1799–1882). Encyclopedia of Arkansas website entry:
Isaac Murphy was a teacher, attorney, and eighth governor of Arkansas. He became nationally famous when, at the Arkansas Secession Convention on May 6, 1861, he not only voted against secession but also resolutely refused to change his vote despite enormous crowd pressure. In 1864, he became the first elected governor of Union-controlled Arkansas. (Submitted on October 8, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
via NPS, unknown
3. Old State House
NPGallery Digital Asset Management System website entry
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Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 16, 2015
4. The Old State House
Credits. This page was last revised on February 10, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 7, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 183 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 7, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. 3. submitted on October 25, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. 4. submitted on October 8, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
