Back Porch: The Old State House

The oldest surviving state capitol west of the Mississippi, Arkansas' Old State House is most recognizable as the setting of President Bill Clinton's two election-night celebrations, and today it houses a multimedia museum of Arkansas history. A National Historic Landmark, the Greek Revival structure was commissioned by Territorial Governor John Pope and designed by architect Gideon Shryock. Although it wasn't completed until 1842, the first general assembly was held there in 1836, and it remained the state capitol until 1911, enduring occupation by Union Troops, a famous knife fight and nearly constant repairs before the decision to build the new capitol was made.