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

State Capitol Moves to Hot Springs

— Hot Springs Central Avenue Historic District —

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 5, 2022

1. State Capitol Moves to Hot Springs Marker

Inscription. Early in 1862 Governor Henry Rector feared that Federal troops were planning an attempt to seize Little Rock and decided to move the capitol of the state to Hot Springs. The movement of the government to Hot Springs was the highlight of the city's role in the Civil War.

Erected by City of Hot Springs.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Government & Politics • War, US Civil. A significant historical year for this entry is 1862.

Location. 34° 31.044′ N, 93° 3.267′ W. Marker is in Hot Springs, Arkansas, in Garland County. Marker can be reached from Central Avenue (Arkansas Route 7), on the right when traveling south. Marker is on the sidewalk next to a lamp post. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 210 Central Ave, Hot Springs National Park AR 71901, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Hot Springs in 1860 (a few steps from this marker); Site of the Founding Convention Assemblies of God April 2-12, 1914 (within shouting distance of this marker); 201 Central Avenue (within shouting distance of this marker); Hot Springs' First Bathhouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Temporary State Capitol (within shouting distance of this marker); Hot Springs' First White Settler

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(about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Medical Arts Building (about 300 feet away); Hot Springs' Resort Beginnings (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hot Springs.

Regarding State Capitol Moves to Hot Springs. Hot Springs served as Arkansas' Confederate state capital for several weeks (sources differ on the exact dates, but agree that it was at least July 2-14) 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 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.

Also see . . . Civil War Connections at Hot Springs National Park. Temporarily being the Confederate state capitol was just one way the Civil War touched Hot Springs. (National Park Service) (Submitted on November 22, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 5, 2022

2. State Capitol Moves to Hot Springs Marker

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 154 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 22, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.