Old Mississippi State Capitol

Old State Capitol
Jackson December 2018 37 (Old Mississippi State Capitol).jpg
Old State Capitol in 2018
Old Mississippi State Capitol is located in Mississippi
Old Mississippi State Capitol
Old Mississippi State Capitol is located in the United States
Old Mississippi State Capitol
Location100 N. State St., Jackson, Mississippi
Coordinates32°17′57″N 90°10′48″W / 32.29917°N 90.18000°W / 32.29917; -90.18000Coordinates: 32°17′57″N 90°10′48″W / 32.29917°N 90.18000°W / 32.29917; -90.18000
Built1839
ArchitectWilliam Nichols
Architectural styleGreek Revival
NRHP reference No.69000087
USMS No.049-JAC-0002-NHL-ML
Significant dates
Added to NRHPNovember 25, 1969
Designated NHLDecember 14, 1990
Designated USMSJuly 14, 1986

The Old Mississippi State Capitol, also known as Old Capitol Museum or Old State Capitol, served as the Mississippi statehouse from 1839 until 1903. The old state capitol was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1969. In 1986, the structure was designated a Mississippi Landmark and became a National Historic Landmark in 1990.

History

Construction

Although construction was initiated in 1833, there were problems with the architect and substandard materials. The original architect, John Lawrence, was replaced in 1836 by William Nichols, who oversaw completion of the 3-story structure in 1840.

The exterior of the building was composed of brick, limestone, and stucco. A copper rotunda dome extended 94 feet (29 m) above the first floor. Wood was the principal material used for construction of the building's interior, with the exception of brick partition walls and flagstones on the rotunda floor.

Occupancy

From 1839 until 1903, as Mississippi's statehouse, the old capitol was the site of several historical legislative events:

When construction of a newer state capitol was completed in 1903, the old capitol building was abandoned and remained so until 1916, when it was renovated for state office space. By 1960, all state agencies had vacated the structure and it was again renovated to become the State Historical Museum in 1961.

In August 2005, winds from Hurricane Katrina peeled off sections of the old capitol's copper roof. About four weeks later, rain from Hurricane Rita infiltrated the building and damaged ceilings, walls, and ornamentation, as well as historical artifacts. Storm repairs and renovations were completed between 2007 and 2009, and the museum reopened to the public. The Old Capitol Museum is administered by the Mississippi Department of Archives and History.

Gallery

See also


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