This page is not about Chester Ashley, one of
Arkansas' more prominent pioneers, but about his home or mansion as
most people would call it. If you would like to get to know
Mr. Ashley, all you have to do is search my website or any of the
below listed links.
Mr. Ashley moved to Arkansas in 1820, married Mary
Watkins Worthington Elliott of St. Genevieve, Missouri, in 1821 &
within 5 years built a brick one and a half story "cottage."
As his wealth grew, he was able to add on to it and by 1840 the
house had two stories and massive brick columns attached to the
front. This was one of Little Rock, if not the entire states,
most prominent and well-known residence. Mr. Ashley was a
territorial mover and shaker during that time period so it is
reasonable to assume he wanted his home to reflect his position in
the community. Over the years it would see a very active
political life as well as social life and many of Arkansas' more
notable figures graced its beautiful entrance on more than one
occasion. Mr. Ashley died in Washington in 1848 while serving
as U.S. Senator, leaving his wife and son, William, to take care of
the entire estate which also included
"Ashley's Mill"
located southeast of town.
Mrs. Ashley lived in the home until 1863, when the
Union army occupied Little Rock. It would seem only natural
looking at the photograph that General Steele chose the Ashley
Mansion as his headquarters. Mrs. Ashley left and never
returned. Later in the century, small business were built in
the front yard, and the elegance had faded. By 1885 it had
been become the "Oakleaf Hotel" and contained "17 large, light, and
airy bed chambers." The house was finally torn down in the
1920's to make way for many of the commercial buildings that we are
familiar with today.
Developers recently found evidence of the mansion
under the concrete slab which was formerly the Central Supply
Building. The Robert East Construction Company and Allison
Moses Redden Architectural Firm, recognizing the significance of the
find, have made it possible to document this important part of
Little Rock's history.
This information and picture was provided courtesy
of Arkansas Historic
Museum, and Little Rock experts Charles Witsell and Kay Tatum.
More details on the excavation can be found at the
Arkansas Archaeological Survey.
External Links:
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August 25, 1821 - Arkansas Gazette
Married - At Potosi, Mo. On the 2d July, Chester
Ashley, Est. (late of this place) to Miss Mary W.W. Elliott, of the
former place.
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