Downtown in Little Rock in Pulaski County, Arkansas — The American South (West South Central)

Arkansas' Original State Capitol

Photographed by Ashley Sides, June 19, 2026

1. Arkansas' Original State Capitol Marker, Side One

Inscription. In anticipation of statehood, construction on a capitol building began in 1833 and continued as Arkansas became the 25th state on June 15, 1836. The first legislative session convened at the new State House on Sept. 12, 1836. A second constitution was adopted here in 1861 when Arkansas seceded from the Union, followed by a third in 1864 upon rejoining the Union and a fourth in 1868 during Reconstruction. In 1874 this was the site of the Brooks–Baxter War, a post-Civil War armed conflict that attempted to overthrow the Arkansas government and led to the adoption of the fifth and current state constitution. After the government relocated to the new state capitol in 1911, the Old State House became home to the state Board of Health and the U of A Medical Dept., which conducted experiments from 1912 to 1916 to control hookworm and malaria. This groundbreaking campaign earned the Old State House National Historic Landmark status in 1997.

With the placement of this official marker, the Arkansas250 Commission, appointed by Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, recognizes this site, for the events that occurred here, as among the

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most significant in Arkansas history. It was chosen by the commission for the consequential role played in Arkansas history in the 250 years from the birth of American independence to the semiquincentennial celebration on July 4, 2026.

Erected 2026 by Arkansas250 Commission.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the America 250 series list. A significant historical date for this entry is September 12, 1836.

Location. 34° 44.91′ N, 92° 16.336′ W. Marker is in Little Rock, Arkansas, in Pulaski County. It is in Downtown. It is at the intersection of W Markham Street and Ashley Street, on the right when traveling west on W Markham Street. Marker stands on the southeast corner of the grounds of the Old State House Museum, just inside the fence. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 300 W Markham St, Little Rock AR 72201, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Quapaw Homeland.

It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Upper South.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

Arkansas' Original State Capitol Marker, Side Two image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Ashley Sides, June 19, 2026

2. Arkansas' Original State Capitol Marker, Side Two

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what 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: A Tribute to Gen. Thos. J. Churchill (within shouting distance of this marker); Arkansas State Capitol (within shouting distance of this marker); Confederate Women's Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); To the Honor and Memory of the Southern Soldiers (within shouting distance of this marker); Gen. James Miller (within shouting distance of this marker); 150th Anniversary of the War Between the States (within shouting distance of this marker); War of 1812 Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); A Tribute to Gen. Wm. Read Scurry (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Little Rock.

View of the marker with the Old State House in the background image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Ashley Sides, June 19, 2026

3. View of the marker with the Old State House in the background

Credits. This page was last revised on October 11, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 6, 2026, by Ashley Sides of Little Rock, Arkansas. This page has been viewed 9 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 6, 2026, by Ashley Sides of Little Rock, Arkansas. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.