Curran Hall: Little Rock's Antebellum Gem

Curran Hall, located at 615 East Capitol Avenue in Little Rock's MacArthur Park Historic District, stands as one of the city's few remaining antebellum landmarks. Built in 1842 by Colonel Ebenezer Walters as a gift for his wife, Mary Starbuck, tragedy struck when Mary died shortly before its completion. The heartbroken Colonel sold the house, which then passed through several prominent Arkansas families, including lawyer James Moore Curran, for whom the house is named. The home's architecture is a classic example of Greek Revival style, possibly designed by Gideon Shryock, featuring Doric pilasters at the entrance. In 1891, two auxiliary buildings were connected to the main house. Over the years, Curran Hall has witnessed significant events and housed notable figures, including a Confederate veteran and member of the Ku Klux Klan, Jacob Frolich, who fortified the home during a period of intense political opposition. Today, Curran Hall serves as the Little Rock Visitor Information Center, offering tourists a wealth of information about the city and the state. Visitors can explore exhibits of artifacts from early inhabitants, stroll through the Marjem Ward Jackson Historic Garden, and even rent space for special events. Curran Hall is open to the public daily, except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.