Arkansas Historic Places Guide
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Little Rock is a hub of historical information for history buffs, genealogy researchers and anyone interested in how America became the United States of America. Little Rock is home to the current state capitol and its historic exhibits, Arkansas' territorial capitol, the Central High School exhibit, La Petite Roche (for which the city is named) and, among many others, the Clinton Library known as the William Jefferson Clinton Presidential Center and Park. Travel down to Hope to see Bill Clinton's birthplace. Not far from Hope is historic Washington, home of the Bowie knife, the conception of Texas and Arkansas's Civil War capitol. |
"Sunday, the 25th we arrived at Little Rock. This place is situated on the southern bank of the Arkansas River on a beautiful bluff, and is a thriving and prosperous place. It is one of the most beautiful places I ever saw. It is handsomely laid off, elegantly built, and to its splendor and beauty the female inhabitants with their delightful presence graced the streets enrobed and adorned in all the pomp and splendor of an Eastern Queen. It revived and animated my youthful heart and it was with much reluctance that I left the place. The river at this place is about 320 yards wide with high and fertile banks. The population of Little Rock is about 3,000 souls." From the diary of Clinton Harrison Moore, March 1839
Clinton Presidential Center |
The Clinton Presidential Center at the east end of the River Market District is a must visit. |
Arkansas State Capitol |
Located at Woodlane Drive and Capital Avenue, the State Capitol houses numerous historical exhibits. |
Central High School |
Located at 2125 W. Daisy Bates Drive, Central High School National Historic Site features an exhibit about the 1957 Integration Crisis when President Eisenhower sent federal troops into Little Rock to protect the "Little Rock Nine" and facilitate their entrance into Central High. When Central High opened September 14, 1927, it was the largest high school in America. |
Historic Arkansas Museum |
The Historic Arkansas Museum showcases a new 51,000 square foot building that features Arkansas art and artifacts and four restored homes from the pre-Civil War era. Guided tours on the hour daily (no tour at noon) beginning at 9:00. The museum is in downtown Little Rock at 200 E. Third Street. Call for additional information: (501) 324-9351. |
Mount Holly Cemetery |
Frequently referred to as The Westminster Abbey of Arkansas, Mount Holly Cemetery is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is the final resting place for 11 Arkansas governors, 14 state Supreme Court justices, five Confederate Generals, and numerous heroes of military conflicts, including Arkansas' Civil War Boy Martyr, David O. Dodd (story). Also, see Quatie (story). The cemetery is just south of downtown Little Rock at 1200 Broadway. |
Old State House Museum |
The Old State House Museum, pictured in the upper left, was the Arkansas State Capitol building from 1836 to 1911. Numerous historic exhibits, including Bill Clinton's running shoes and saxophone, comprise this National Historic Landmark that reopened in June 1999 after extensive renovation. Hours are Monday - Saturday from 9:00 - 5:00 and Sunday from 1:00 to 5:00. Located in downtown Little Rock near the River Market District at 300 W. Markham Street. Call for more information: (501) 324-9685. |
Quapaw Quarter |
The Quapaw Quarter includes three National Historic Districts and 135 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It offers a glimpse at Little Rock 100 years ago. Self-guided walking and driving tours are offered by the Quapaw Quarter Association. Located at 1315 S. Scott Street. Call for information: (501) 371-0075 |
Trapnall Hall |
Located at 423 E. Capital Avenue, Trapnall Hall, was built in 1843, restored in 1963 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is used by the public for weddings and other social events. Call for more information: (501) 324-9716 |
EMOBA |
EMOBA: The Museum of Black Arkansans hosts changing exhibits about the African/American experience in Arkansas. Open Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 10:00 a.m. till 2:00 p.m. The museum is located at 1208 S. Louisiana Street. Call (501) 372-0018 before going there. Click here to read more about EMOBA on this website. |
The Old Mill |
Located in North Little Rock at Fairway Avenue and Lakeshore Drive, the Old Mill is featured in the opening scene of the movie Gone With the Wind. It was built in the 1930's. This re-creation of an old grist mill is a favorite place for photographers. See our Old Mill pictorial essay. |
U.S.S. Razorback |
The USS Razorback, after a distinguished military career that included being in Tokyo Harbor when the war ended, will now serve as a Maritime Museum. You can read more about the USS Razorback here. |
Gann Museum |
The Gann Museum, located at 218 S Market in Benton, was built in 1893, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is THE ONLY BUILDING IN THE WORLD to have been constructed out of bauxite, an aluminum ore mined in the area. Open Tuesday - Friday from 10:00 - 4:00. Phone: (501) 778-5513 |
Hope, Arkansas |
"I still believe in a place called Hope," said Democratic nominee Bill Clinton in 1992. The 42nd president of the United States was born at the Julia Chester Hospital in Hope. |
Hot Springs, Arkansas |
A must see in the Spa City is Bath House Row and the Arlington Hotel, where Al Capone established his home away from Chicago. Unlike any other city in Arkansas, Hot Springs has a character of its own and its citizens are probably among the most laid back you will find anywhere. The city is full of things to see and do. |
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