It has been 124 years since the commencement of construction on the Arkansas State Capitol

Little Rock, Arkansas – A significant landmark in Arkansas marked an important milestone.

Construction on the Arkansas State Capitol commenced on November 27, 1900, and 124 years later, the structure remains resilient.

In May 1899, teams prepared plans for the construction of the building, aiming to stay within the projected million-dollar budget. Following a series of challenges, teams successfully placed the cornerstone on November 27, 1900.

The Encyclopedia of Arkansas reports that there were significant concerns raised regarding the building’s progress following revelations of purported shortcuts and bribery incidents.

In 1910, with the guidance of a new architect, progress on the capitol advanced, featuring enhanced fireproofing and the installation of new floors.

In 1913, the General Assembly approved legislation to allocate over $500,000 for the completion of the building.

The building was completed on January 1, 1915, following additional construction and funding, totaling over $2.2 million, as reported by the Encyclopedia of Arkansas.

To explore the history further, check out the Encyclopedia of Arkansas.