Arkansas is home to numerous historic places. From Little Rock Nine’s school desegregation effort and opening of Walmart store #1 by Sam Walton himself, to Arkansas hosting one of Sam Walton’s first stores opening by chance on a corner lot… Arkansas boasts many historic gems!
The Gangster Museum of America documents one of the more notorious periods in American history, while Fort Smith National Cemetery contains thousands of veterans who served during this era.
Mammoth Spring
Mammoth Spring State Park in Northern Arkansas boasts one of the world’s largest first-magnitude springs and is recognized as a National Natural Landmark, discharging nine million gallons an hour into Spring River from its outlet pool. A former working mill and hydroelectric dam are nearby, creating the ideal place for visitors to admire the scenic surroundings.
Local folklore tells the tale of an Indian chief digging a grave for his son when suddenly, an immense spring burst forth from beneath the ground, prompting him to create his town around this spring.
Mammoth Spring was an important supply depot during the Civil War and now hosts an annual festival honoring its history: Old Soldiers Reunion was started in 1890 to build bridges and mend fences between Union and Confederate veterans. Additionally, there’s an historic railroad depot which has now been turned into a museum; this station demonstrates how valuable train stations were for small towns such as Mammoth Spring.
Fort Smith National Cemetery
Fort Smith Cemetery covers 22.3 acres in Arkansas and contains 13,127 interments. The first recorded burial occurred here in 1819 before the Army closed down their post and reopened it again later on; at which point, their old post cemetery was expanded upon by expanding on what existed prior.
Established in 1867, Fort Smith Cemetery holds graves from both Union and Confederate armies of both sides of the Civil War. Many graves from battlefields and private cemeteries at the start of the conflict were moved there after being relocated from battlefields and private cemeteries during its course.
The oldest headstones in the cemetery come from an old post burial ground and bear both names of deceased soldiers as well as dates of death on both sides. Their inscriptions face west, which follows an American religious practice to face towards the sun on Resurrection Day.
Arkansas State Capitol
The Arkansas State Capitol is a classic example of Neoclassical architecture. Constructed over 16 years, starting with architect George Mann in 1899 and finished up by Cass Gilbert in 1915, its exterior features limestone from Batesville and Indiana while inside are six bronze doors from Tiffany’s of New York and three chandeliers by Tiffany himself.
Arkansas’ State Capitol played host to many important historical moments during its early days. Speaker of the House John Wilson fatally stabbed Representative Joseph J. Anthony over an issue related to taxes; and in May 1861 members of the Secession Convention voted to secede from the Union.
After being the center of Arkansas government until 1911 when the General Assembly moved to a new facility, this building remained as such until threatened sale due to efforts from Arkansas Federation of Women’s Clubs and other preservationists. Now used as a museum with hourly tours offered and free admission every three months during which its exhibit themes span music, politics and Arkansas history – plus programs offered across Arkansas by its education staff to both young audiences as well as adults alike.
Old Washington
Old Washington is a prominent historic landmark of Arkansas, recalling 19th-century life through over 30 carefully restored antebellum structures from its time period. As Arkansas’ largest historic museum village and with a focus on Hempstead County history, Old Washington stands as an icon.
Washington was established in 1824 and became an essential stop on the Southwest Trail. Travellers such as Sam Houston, Davy Crockett, and others passed through Washington while fighting against Santa Anna. Additionally, James Black of Washington allegedly created the legendary Bowie knife here.
Travel back in time as you wander plank sidewalks and streets lined with majestic catalpa, magnolia and other shade trees. Visit interesting public buildings and homes; admire rare collections of antiques, guns and knives; and converse with guides dressed in period attire.
