8 Old-World Towns to Visit in Arkansas
Arkansas's rich history dates back to Native American settlements around 500 A.D., followed by Spanish and French exploration in the 16th and 17th centuries, and its statehood in 1836, making it a fascinating state full of history. Despite the passing of the years, Arkansas’s small towns continue to preserve its past identity and culture through its architecture, music, museums, and parks. Whether you are interested in the Civil War, the rich history of blues and gospel music, or admiring well-preserved vehicles from race cars to steam engines, these eight towns all share unique perspectives of the state’s history.
El Dorado
Recognized as having one of the best small-town cultural scenes in the country, El Dorado is a town that not only preserves its history but celebrates it. The town’s architecture is the perfect starting point, such as The El Dorado Commercial Historic District, which features early 20th-century brick and masonry buildings. The Union County Courthouse is a prominent landmark within the district as well. It was completed in 1928 and showcases classical Revival style architecture.
The town is also full of museums that provide fascinating insights into the town’s history, such as the South Arkansas Historical Preservation Society and the Union County Sports Hall of Fame!
Arkadelphia
Lying along the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains, Arkadelphia has a fascinating history that dates back to the early 19th century, when John Hemphill, a salt works operator, settled it. The Clark County Historical Museum is an excellent place to start, featuring a variety of exhibits, talks, and events that celebrate and tell the story of the area.
Those wanting an immersive experience in the town’s past can stay in the historic Captain Henderson House, a bed and breakfast housed in a Victorian mansion that dates back to 1906. Travelers also must take a hike along the DeSoto Bluff Trail, named after Hernando de Soto, a Spanish explorer who once led an expedition across the southern United States and was the first European to arrive in the land of Arkansas.
Powhatan
Powhatan, the economic center of Lawrence County since the 1800s, has a rich cultural, economic, and political legacy that continues to shape the town’s modern-day culture. Powhatan Historic State Park, for example, contains historic buildings from Lawrence County’s early days, such as a log house, church, school, courthouse, and jail. Visitors can also stand at the top of the park’s hill and imagine historic steamboat traffic passing by in the Black River below! Those curious about the town’s written history can also stop by the Northeast Arkansas Regional Archives (NEARA) to appreciate a variety of original, written, materials, such as diaries, letters, photographs, maps, and more.
Batesville
Home to the oldest surviving main street in the state, Batesville offers visitors easy access to its rich history without needing to venture very far. The Melba Feature, in the heart of downtown, is the oldest surviving cinemascope and a great place to catch a movie. The Old Independence Regional Museum has an excellent exhibit of well-preserved artifacts that tell the story of Independence County. Racing fans must check out the Mark Martin Museum, which not only has some of Martin’s past cars on display but also other memorabilia, such as helmets, firesuits, and historic news articles!
Camden
For American history fans, Camden is full of Civil War history that visitors can experience through museums, cemeteries, state parks, and other landmarks. The McCollum-Chidester House is one of Camden’s most well-known landmarks, once serving as a headquarters for the Union during the Red River campaign. Those who want to see a battle site can head to the Poison Springs Battleground State Park, one of Arkansas’s three sites that compose the Red River Campaign National Historic Landmark. The Oakland Cemetery, a site on the National Registry of Historic Places, is one of the area’s oldest cemeteries and gives visitors the opportunity to reflect on the country’s past.
Hot Springs
Looking for a cozy bed and breakfast, a historic bar, and fascinating museums? Hot Springs offers the perfect opportunity for a step back in time. Visitors can start their trip by checking into Spring Street Inn Bed & Breakfast, an inn dating back to 1889 and furnished with lots of charming antiques. The Ohio Club also perfectly preserves the town’s nightlife, running for over 100 years and hosting a variety of famous musicians and jazz artists over the decades. Those looking for a museum with character can spend the afternoon at the Gangster Museum of America, which explores various accounts of criminal life from the early 20th century. Visitors can also play in the museum’s antique casino!
Pine Bluff
With 58 structures on the National Register of Historic Places, a lively mix of jazz, gospel, and blues, and a rich railroad history, Pine Bluff offers a taste of it all. The Arkansas Railroad Museum showcases a variety of historic, 20th-century trains and even allows kids to hop on some of the train cars and engines. Those who enjoy learning about the local music and entertainment industry can tour the Arkansas Entertainers Hall of Fame, which hosts countless artifacts from Arkansas artists and entertainers. The town also has periodic blues and soul live music nights on the weekends, so make sure to take a look at the town’s calendar before planning your trip.
Van Buren
Van Buren has preserved its history in its six-block main street, with Victorian architecture and historical attractions. Be sure to visit the Crawford County Courthouse, Crawford County Bank Building, and the historic Anheuser-Busch Brewing Company to admire their architecture. While downtown, visitors can take advantage of the town’s renowned antique stores to find unique souvenirs. The King Opera House is another famous landmark in town. It was constructed in 1891 and still hosts theater productions, concerts, and movie screenings today. Those wanting to dive even further into the history can visit the 1838 restored Drennen-Scott House Museum, which has a history dating back to the Trail of Tears, Underground Railroad, and US Civil War.
Situated at the crossroads of Civil War sites, railroad development, and musical heritage, Arkansas boasts a distinctive identity unlike any other state. Even those who do not typically attend museums and historic landmarks will appreciate these towns’ music identities and historic nightlife spots. Next time you find yourself planning a trip to Arkansas, remember not only to appreciate the state’s natural beauty but also its fascinating history.
