The Capitol Hotel in Little Rock stands as a testament to the city’s rich history, strategically located near Arkansas’s original state capitol, now the esteemed Old State House. Since 1872, this iconic hotel has been deeply interwoven with the narrative of Little Rock, Arkansas. Once hailed as the most luxurious hotel in the entire state, the Capitol Hotel became an unofficial hub for political dealings, witnessing pivotal decisions and shaping political trajectories. Recognized for its historical and architectural significance, the hotel earned a place on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974, solidifying its status as a landmark.
Initially known as the Denckla Block, this structure arose near the bustling river port of Little Rock. Its original design served a mixed-use purpose, intended to house offices, retail spaces, and upscale apartments for the city’s burgeoning business class. During the latter half of the 19th century, in the aftermath of the Civil War, Little Rock experienced substantial growth as a vital river port and railway center. Observing the presence of the Metropolitan Hotel, a high-end establishment already serving the city, William P. Denckla, a prominent New York railroad magnate, recognized a promising business opportunity. He envisioned a space that would foster commercial activity within the capital city of this rapidly developing state. Denckla acquired the land for this ambitious project from George C. Watkins, then a justice of the Arkansas Supreme Court. Construction commenced in the spring of 1872. Tragically, Watkins passed away in 1872 just as the building neared completion. Denckla subsequently sold the complex, comprising shops, offices, and residential units, back to Watkins’s heirs. The Denckla Block’s location was notably diagonal to the Metropolitan Hotel and directly opposite City Hall, placing it at the heart of Little Rock’s civic and commercial life.
A defining characteristic of the Capitol Hotel Little Rock is its prefabricated cast-iron façade, a remarkable element of its original construction that has been thoughtfully expanded upon over time. This intricate architectural feature was manufactured outside of Arkansas, though the precise location remains uncertain, and then transported to Little Rock. The building’s design and construction meticulously accommodated this façade, which serves not only as an ornamental flourish but also as a crucial structural component, showcasing the sophisticated engineering of the era.
Although not conceived as a hotel initially, the Denckla Block transitioned into the Capital Hotel in 1877. This transformation was spurred by a significant event: the destruction of the Metropolitan Hotel, previously the city’s premier upscale hotel, in a fire on December 14, 1876. Colonel A. G. DeShon, the former manager of the Metropolitan, and Major John Adams played key roles in repurposing the Denckla Block. They successfully leased the building, convincing its representatives of the pressing need for a distinguished hotel in the state capital. The newly established hotel received its name courtesy of Mrs. Morehead Wright, a respected Little Rock society figure. When consulted by Adams and DeShon for name suggestions, Mrs. Wright aptly remarked that it was a “capital enterprise located in a capital building” in the “capital of the state,” expressing her hope for a “capital success.” Thus, in January 1877, the Capital Hotel opened its doors, boasting a newly designed, opulent interior that complemented its already impressive exterior. Throughout its history, the hotel has welcomed numerous prominent political and historical personalities, including President Ulysses S. Grant. A persistent legend suggests that the Capital Hotel’s unusually spacious elevator was custom-built to accommodate President Grant’s horse, allowing him to bring the animal to his room. However, this is a myth; the large elevator was actually installed during renovations in the 1980s, debunking the colorful anecdote.
The subsequent century witnessed several changes in ownership for the Capitol Hotel Little Rock. It underwent periods of closure and renovation, notably reopening in 1908 with designs by the renowned architect George Mann. For many years, the hotel thrived as a central point for both political gatherings and significant social events in Little Rock. However, the 1960s and 1970s brought a period of decline to Little Rock’s downtown area, and the Capitol Hotel mirrored this downturn, falling into disrepair and underutilization. In the early 1980s, a revitalization effort was spearheaded by architect Ed Cromwell and a group of investors who embarked on a project to restore the hotel to its original splendor. The Capitol Hotel reopened to the public just before Christmas in 1983, marking a triumphant return. Another extensive restoration project necessitated a two-year closure, but the hotel resumed operations again in November 2007, further enhancing its facilities and appeal. In recognition of its exceptional standards, Forbes Travel Guide bestowed a four-star rating upon the Capitol Hotel in 2013. In 2014, Southern Living magazine further acknowledged its prestige by including it in the esteemed Southern Living Hotel Collection, cementing its place as a premier destination in Little Rock.
Further Reading:
- “Capital Hotel.” National Register of Historic Places nomination form. On file at Arkansas Historic Preservation Program, Little Rock, Arkansas.
- Capital Hotel Materials. Butler Center for Arkansas Studies. Central Arkansas Library System, Little Rock, Arkansas. Finding aid online at https://cdm15728.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/findingaids/id/6230/rec/1 (accessed June 5, 2024).
- Lester, Jim, and Judy Lester. Greater Little Rock: A Pictorial History. Norfolk, VA: The Donning Co. Pub., 1986.
- Weintz, Steven. A Capital Idea: An Illustrated History of the Capital Hotel. Fayetteville: University of Arkansas Press, 2002.
Sharolyn Jones-Taylor Little Rock Central High School
