Little Rock – Arkansas State Capitol, sights around town and The Pharaohs Exhibit

We started our day early and got into Little Rock about 10 a.m. and started with a visit to the Arkansas State Capitol. From the outside this is a very impressive capitol. We climbed those steps to the brass doors only to find them locked. There was no sign about a visitors’ entrance but we found it underneath the stairs (much like the Courthouse in Athens.) There was no tour available; however, there was a TV recording to watch as an introduction to history of the capitol. It was fascinating to hear the political bickering that went on for years before and during the construction. The ceiling of the old state house was literally falling in on the heads of the Senators and they still could not agree with a solution that the governor would accept (sounds like today.) As a result, it took about 10 years to build the capitol (it was stopped several times by different governors.) Inside the building was rather unimpressive except for the STEPS. I just couldn’t get enough pictures and you will probably be tired of seeing them – you just had to BE THERE! When I first looked at the dome I thought the chandelier was ugly but when we got to the third floor and were closer to the chandelier I found it was very interesting. The old Supreme Court room was very nice; however, the others are “nothing to write home about.” Of course we had to find the picture of Bill Clinton when he was governor of Arkansas. We didn’t recognize it at first because he was so young when he was there. The people that work in the capitol were preparing the rotunda for a “Day of Prayer” meeting there on Saturday morning and James had to take that opportunity to get his picture behind the podium. Also, the governor’s official reception room had a sign outside indicating there was a meeting in the room; however, the door was open and James didn’t see anyone so he went in to make a picture. That is the large room with the beautiful fireplace. There are identical fireplaces on either end of the room. We left there and drove by the Governor’s Mansion and then to the Pharaohs Exhibit. We were not allowed to take pictures there but it is a great exhibit. We learned that Little Rock was one of only 4 cities in the U.S. to get that exhibit. It was very interesting and had a good audio tour that explained the items and the history behind them. We left there headed for STARBUCKS and saw some really neat graffiti on the street power boxes (sure made them look better) and we saw a REAL trolley – operating on an old rail line with the electrical hookup overhead. We rode by a local park and saw that great park umbrella (molded from concrete.) Another great day.