Mississippi's Old Capitol Biography of a Building

In this long overdue "biography" of the most historic building in Mississippi, historian Ray Skates does more than merely document the structure. He recalls the important & dramatic events that happened in the building & weaves the life of the Old Capitol into the history of Jackson & the state. The story begins long before the building was constructed--even before the founding of the capital city of Jackson, a wilderness site in the center of the state. The state was expanding, & the leaders of the 1830s wanted a state house to reflect Mississippi's booming growth. Architect William Nichols designed a grand Greek Revival building & began construction in 1836, finishing the job in 1840. Upon its completion, Nichols' building was declared to be "noble...in its outline, correct in its proportions, beautiful in its finish...& in ornament simple & elegant." In the 150 years since, the building has endured occupation by Federal troops, repeated threats of demolition, & such neglect that by 1903 it was left an abandoned relic. In 1961 the Old Capitol was restored to its original design & reopened in a capacity that befit its past--as the State Historical Museum.Skates, John R. is the author of 'Mississippi's Old Capitol Biography of a Building' with ISBN 9780938896593 and ISBN 0938896598.