Now that school has ended, now is an excellent opportunity to teach your children Arkansas history by visiting historic places. From Native American mounds to Civil War battlefields, Arkansas boasts numerous incredible places that you should visit.
The Old State House Museum in Little Rock provides visitors with many important stories from Arkansas history. As the oldest state capitol building west of the Mississippi River, this landmark building has stood witness to over 250 years.
Fort Smith
Fort Smith was first constructed in 1817 to keep peace between Osage and Cherokee tribes as they entered western Arkansas. Its location, at Belle Point overlooking where Poteau and Arkansas rivers join, attracted traders as well as American Indians alike.
Fort Smith became a critical stop on the westward expansion trail following the 1803 Louisiana Purchase, where its fort was used as a stop for steamboats and its commissary served as the region’s supply hub. Fort Smith quickly expanded as Americans arrived seeking opportunity and to fight for freedom. Its colorful history includes soldiers, Indians, outlaws and lawmen of various kinds; today its National Historic Site by the National Park Service preserves two frontier forts as well as Judge Isaac C Parker’s Federal Courthouse which became famous as known as “hangin’ judge.” Discover this turbulent chapter in American history through its people, places and events!
Helena
Helena, Mississippi River town located along the Mississippi is rich with history dating back to events of both World Wars. Additionally, this is where Delta Blues first made its mark, featuring such artists as Ma Rainey and Robert Johnson.
Helena was well suited for cotton plantations operations, though its frequent flooding and poor drainage prevented large-scale agricultural operations from taking place. Meanwhile, its mercantile trade flourished as well.
In the 1860s, a small group of Jewish residents established an organized community in their locality. Although most did not make notable contributions in society or politics, Jewish residents still enjoyed some acceptance within white Christian society.
Civil War-era Jews such as Jacob Trieber of Helena from Raszkow, Prussia held local offices and held progressive views about race. He became the first Jewish person ever appointed as a federal judge in America. With Miriam by his side, Jacob and Miriam quietly supported causes related to Black advancement.
Lakeport Plantation
Lakeport Plantation stands as one of Arkansas’ last remaining antebellum mansions and was constructed by Lycurgus Johnson and Lydia Taylor before the Civil War. Later donated to Arkansas State University as a heritage site and carefully restored since.
The house stands as an outstanding example of Greek Revival architecture, serving as the centerpiece for a larger plantation that employed slave laborers. Today it has been designated a National Historic Landmark and has received various preservation awards.
Visitors to Quatrefoil House can explore it on hour-long guided tours conducted by knowledgeable tour guides who know all about its history. Restoration and interpretation focus on recreating lifestyles of Lakeport residents such as planters, slaves, tenant farmers, sharecroppers and craftsmen of yesteryear – hence our team at Quatrefoil is sensitively designing non-invasive elements in rooms sparsely furnished with authentic possessions while still upholding aesthetic beauty and historic integrity of this unique house.
Arkansas Post
Henri de Tonti established Poste de Arkansea at the confluence of Arkansas and Mississippi Rivers near a Quapaw village near this location in 1686, becoming an essential trading post and stronghold in France’s long struggle against Spain and England for control of Mississippi River valley.
Arkansas Post has undergone many transformations through the years as French, Spanish and American control shifted between France, Spain, and the US in Arkansas Territory. At its initial development it served as a colonial government and military center; an active river port; and was briefly the territorial capital.
Visitor to Arkansas Post National Memorial can explore relics of this early American settlement site, its museum and trails. Preserved by the National Park Service in an altered setting due to flooding and river changes, the Arkansas Post Memorial honors its long legacy which played such a crucial part in America’s early history.
