Capital Hotel, historic hotel in Little Rock, Arkansas
The Capital Hotel is a four-story brick building in Little Rock built in 1872 and opened as a hotel in 1877. Its cast-iron facade features ornate Corinthian columns and rounded arches that give the structure a grand appearance.
The original building, the Denckla Block, was built in 1872 by New York railroad entrepreneur William P. Denckla to boost the local economy after the Civil War. After a fire destroyed the nearby Metropolitan Hotel in 1876, the building was converted to lodging in 1877.
The name was suggested by Mrs. Morehead Wright to reflect its role as a major enterprise in the state capital. Guests walking through notice how the interiors still show original furnishings and craftsmanship that welcomed visitors from its opening.
The hotel sits on West Markham Street in downtown Little Rock and offers easy access to nearby shops and attractions. Visiting during daylight allows you to fully appreciate the detailed architectural features of the facade.
Stories long circulated that an elevator was built for President Grant so he could take his horse to his room, but this is false. The spacious elevator was actually installed during the 1980s restoration.
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