Southeast

Little Rock, AR

Capital of Arkansas

Known as “The Natural State Capital

Arkansas State Capitol Building

Overview

Little Rock is the capital city of Arkansas, located in the Southeast region of the United States. Founded in 1831, the city has grown to a population of approximately 202,591 residents within a state of 3,011,524 people. As both the largest city and capital of Arkansas, Little Rock serves as the political, administrative, and economic center of the state.

The city is home to the Arkansas State Capitol, a Neoclassical structure that has been a landmark since its completion in 1915. Designed by George R. Mann and Cass Gilbert (consultant), the capitol building stands as a testament to the state's history and governance, attracting visitors from across the country and around the world.

Little Rock has served as the capital of Arkansas since 1821. Before Little Rock, the state's capital was located in Arkansas Post.

Arkansas State Capitol

The Arkansas State Capitol in Little Rock was modeled after the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C., and is built on the site of the former state penitentiary. Constructed from Batesville limestone, the building features a grand dome and six Ionic columns at its main entrance. It took over 16 years to complete and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1981.

Design Inspiration

U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.

Year Built
1915
Architect
George R. Mann and Cass Gilbert (consultant)
Architectural Style
Neoclassical
Dome / Tower Height
230 ft
Building Area
256,000 sq ft
National Register
Listed

Notable Features

  • Modeled after the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.
  • Built from native Batesville limestone
  • Six massive bronze doors at the main entrance
  • Grand rotunda with chandelier and decorative ceiling
  • Landscaped grounds with monuments and memorials
  • Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1981

Media Gallery

Arkansas State Capitol Building

Original footage coming soon! User-submitted photos welcome.

Fun Facts & Trivia

  • The Arkansas State Capitol was built on the grounds of the former state penitentiary, where convict labor was used in the construction.
  • Little Rock gets its name from a small rock formation on the south bank of the Arkansas River, used as a landmark by early travelers.
  • The 1957 Little Rock Central High School desegregation crisis was a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement.
  • Arkansas's capitol is the only one in the U.S. built on the site of a former prison.
  • The six bronze entrance doors each weigh about one ton.
  • Bill Clinton served as Governor of Arkansas and used an office in this capitol building before becoming President.