Women Fight to Save the Old State House

Women's group at the Old State House
Photograph courtesy of the Arkansas History Commission

In 1906, the Arkansas Federation of Women's Club (AFWC) sounded the call to save the Old State House from its possible sale and the division of its grounds to help finance the new capitol building. Not only did they want to preserve the building, they wanted to use it as a "home for relics, records and whatever of value may pertain to the history of the state."

Following the devastation of the Civil War and Reconstruction in the South, 20th century preservation efforts emphasized local heritage, national unity and patriotism. In the AFWC "Petition for Preservation of the Old State House", they appealed "to that love and loyalty… which burns in the breast of every 'son of patriotic sire'… (to) preserve to the state the classic Old State House".

After canvassing every women's group and other patriotic associations throughout the state, the AFWC forwarded the petition to the state legislature with 4,000 signatures. Their mission was a difficult one further complicated by the fact that women could not vote.

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