Dogwoods are blooming on Capital Hill

[Faulkner]

The Arkansas State Capital in Little Rock is a gorgeous century old building. I had to make the drive down to capital hill today under a bright blue sky with temperatures in the low 60's and got to see the pink dogwoods starting to bloom on the capital lawn. I'm always impressed every time I go there, so I snapped this picture from the front lawn using my iPhone.

The Arkansas State Capitol was constructed between 1899 and 1915 on the site of the old state penitentiary using prison labor. The original construction cost was not to exceed $1 million. After two architects, two general contractors, six Capitol Commissions and three governors, the completed Capitol cost almost $2.3 million. In 1911, the General Assembly convened in the unfinished building for their first session at the new State Capitol.

The neo-classical style of the building is a common example of monumental architecture of the early 20th century. The marble on the floors and walls came from Vermont, the columns from Colorado, and the grand staircases from Alabama. The exterior limestone was quarried near Batesville, Arkansas while a softer Indiana limestone was used for the dome. The Capitol contains 247,000 square feet. The distance from ground level to the top of the cupola is 213 feet. The cupola is covered in gold leaf.

It's one of the best looking state capital buildings in the country.

[Faulkner]

After my meeting I took the opportunity to stroll the capitol grounds. I'd never noticed during previous visits the monument to the Confederate women of Arkansas during the Civil War. It's a shame we don't typically honor our modern women the way they did a century ago.

The plaque on the monument reads:

Confederate Women of Arkansas 1861 - 1865

"Whose pious ministrations to our wounded soldiers soothed the last hours of those who died for the object of their tenderest love. Whose domestic labors contributed much to supply the wants of our defenders in the field; Whose jealous faith in our cause shone a guide star, undimmed by the darkest clouds of war; Whose fortitude sustained them under all the privations to which they were subjected; and whose patriotism will teach their sons to emulate the deeds of their sires."

This monument erected by the State of Arkansas and the Confederate Veterans.

[TACC1]

Thanks for the pics and the history. It IS a good
looking building, as it should be.
TACC1

[mc5aw]

A little farther north and west, you'll find blooming idiots at various state capitols.

[Cyrano]

We have a few South and West, too.