Hot Springs in Garland County, Arkansas — The American South (West South Central)

Temporary State Capitol

— Hot Springs Central Avenue Historic District —

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 5, 2022

1. Temporary State Capitol Marker

Inscription. The temporary state capitol was set up in 1862 in a two-story home on the site of the park opposite the Arlington Hotel. Some state records were stored in a log kitchen which was separate from the house. The kitchen was later moved and sat adjacent to the Medical Arts Building.

Erected by City of Hot Springs.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Government & Politics. A significant historical year for this entry is 1862.

Location. 34° 31.014′ N, 93° 3.235′ W. Marker is in Hot Springs, Arkansas, in Garland County. It can be reached from Central Avenue (Arkansas Route 7), on the right when traveling south. Marker is on the sidewalk in front of a small parking lot. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 230 Central Ave, Hot Springs National Park AR 71901, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Arkansas’ Ouachita Mountains.

It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Upper South.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what

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was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

the Louisiana Purchase,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Wade Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Medical Arts Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Hot Springs Reservation Established (within shouting distance of this marker); The Arlington Hotel (within shouting distance of this marker); State Capitol Moves to Hot Springs (within shouting distance of this marker); Hot Springs in 1860 (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Hot Action in Hot Springs (about 300 feet away); 201 Central Avenue (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hot Springs.

Regarding Temporary State Capitol. Hot Springs served as Arkansas' Confederate state capital for several weeks (sources differ on the exact dates) in mid-1862. The capital was moved from Little Rock because of fears the Union Army was approaching that city. In Hot Springs, Gov. Henry Massie Rector kept state records in his summer home and log

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 5, 2022

2. Temporary State Capitol Marker

kitchen on what is now Arlington Lawn. The capital later moved back to Little Rock but was relocated again in September 1863, this time to Old Washington, where it remained until the end of the Civil War.

Henry Massie Rector (1816-1899) image. Click for full size.

via National Park Service (Public Domain)

3. Henry Massie Rector (1816-1899)

He served one two-year term (1860-62) as Arkansas' sixth governor.

Credits. This page was last revised on November 25, 2022. It was originally submitted on November 22, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 290 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 22, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.