Built 1839 USMS # 049-JAC-0002-NHL-ML Designated USMS July 14, 1986 Phone +1 601-576-6920 Architect William Nichols | NRHP Reference # 69000087 Designated NHL December 14, 1990 Opened 1839 Added to NRHP 25 November 1969 | |
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Location 100 N. State St., Jackson, Mississippi Address 100 S State St, Jackson, MS 39201, USA Hours Open today · 9AM–5PMThursday9AM–5PMFriday9AM–5PMSaturday9AM–5PMSunday1–5PMMondayClosedTuesday9AM–5PMWednesday9AM–5PMSuggest an edit Architectural style Greek Revival architecture Similar Eudora Welty House, Mississippi Museum of Natural S, Mississippi Governor's Mansion, Mississippi Children's Museum, Medgar Evers Home Mu | ||
What to expect on group tours of the mississippi capitol
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.
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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 4 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.