The Arkansas State Capitol is a majestic domed neoclassical statehouse. By the late 1800s, Arkansas’s first State House began to be insufficient for the growing state and its government, so a new capitol was built on the former grounds of the state penitentiary. Construction took place from 1899 to 1915 and was plagued with delays, cost overruns, and scandals. Capitol Commissioner George Donaghey was elected governor in 1908 on a platform to bring the project to completion. Originally designed and begun by architect George Mann, the structure was revised and completed by Cass Gilbert. Home of the legislature since 1911, the capitol has witnessed many important moments of Arkansas state history.

NOTE: This tour will take place outdoors on the capitol grounds. We will not tour the interior. Interior tours are available throughout the year by on-site staff.