8 Oldest Founded Small Towns to Visit in Arkansas

Located in the Deep South between Missouri to the north and Louisiana in the south, Arkansas Is known as The Natural State. Arkansas has a storied history, going back to Native American nations to becoming part of French Louisiana to its purchase by the United States with the Louisiana Purchase. It became a state in 1836 and would later play a crucial role as a Confederate state during the American Civil War. Today, you can find communities with histories that go back to the 1700s and earlier. You can see everything from Civil War battlefields to historic post offices and healing hot springs. Here are 8 of the oldest towns in Arkansas to visit.

Batesville

Located on the White River, Batesville has a history going back to 1804 when the first log cabin was set up in the area. It would later grow into a bustling town, with the first post office opening in 1820, which went by the name Poke Bayou. Batesville was named after James Woodson Bates, the first Arkansas territorial delegate. Today, you can visit a number of historical sites, including the Melba Theater, first built in 1875. NASCAR fans will definitely want to visit the Mark Martin Museum, which tells the life story of Mark Martin. Climbers will also love Batesville as it’s the home to Jamestown Crag, a spot that offers more than 100 climbing routes and hiking trails as well. If local shopping is more your cup of tea, try out Thompson's Jewelry Store, David's Home & Sleep Center, or Jonathan's Fine Jewelry.

Gillett

Although Gillett itself was first platted in 1888, it sits on the site of an even older abandoned settlement: Arkansas Post. This was the first European settlement in the Mississippi Alluvial Plain that was set up by Henri de Tonti in 1686 on behalf of France. You can visit the site of the settlement today at the Arkansas Post National Memorial and Museum, which also features the site of a battle during the American Civil War. The museum itself features the 1877 Refeld-Hinman Loghouse and a great deal of artifacts from the town. Gillette is also home to the beautiful Moore Bayou Recreation Center, a campground and boat trail on the Arkansas Post water trail, and the Jardis Point Park Recreation Area. Before you leave town, try out some sweets at Tripp's Eats & Sweets.

Pocahontas

This charming Arkansas small town of just over 7,500 people takes its name from the Powhatan woman who was the daughter of the paramount chief and interacted with the early colonists of Jamestown, Virginia. It was first settled by Ranson S. Bettis in 1817 and went by the name Bettis Bluff until its name was changed to Pocahontas in 1835. There are several historic places to check out in town, such as the Randolph County Heritage Museum, which has a variety of exhibits, including about the Trail of Tears that went through Arkansas. The downtown area is comprised of 17 square blocks of red brick buildings from the Victorian era, along with a quilt trail with 50 images of locally made quilts. The courthouse is also home to a meteorite that crashed into the town in 1858. The town was also home to the music superstar Billy Lee Riley, which you can learn more about at multiple markers in Pocahontas.

Pine Bluff

First settled in 1819 on a bluff over the Arkansas River, Pine Bluff has had a long history, from its incorporation in 1839 to the arrival of the railroad in 1873. With a population of just under 40,000, Pine Bluff maintains a small-town charm with its many local attractions. Learn about the area's railroad history at the Arkansas Railroad Museum or see artifacts from great Arkansas-born entertainers at the Arkansas Entertainers Hall of Fame. Enjoy a day at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas or Gov. Mike Huckabee Delta Rivers Nature Center. Speaking of Nature, Pine Bluff has beautiful parks and lakes to explore, ranging from the Byrd Lake Natural Area to Lake Langhofer, Lake Saracen, and Martin Luther King Park. You'll have a lot of fun exploring this historic town.

Eureka Springs

Located close to Missouri, Dr. Alvah Jackson first discovered the mineral water springs in 1858 and revealed its location in 1879. In an instant, people came from far and wide to try out the healing properties of the water. Today, Eureka Springs is a mecca for lovers of water and nature, with multiple places to explore ranging from Black Bass Lake to Lake Leatherwood and, of course, the over 66 springs in town that are easily accessible. Eureka Springs is also home to some truly unique architecture, such as the Thorncrown Chapel, a beautiful glass and wood beam church located in the Ozark Mountains. The town hides many treasures, such as the Pea Ridge National Military Park, the site of a major battle in the American Civil War, the Pivot Rock and Natural Bridge, and the Ozark Mountain Ziplines. There are plenty of opportunities for adventure and relaxation in this historic town.

Van Buren

First settled in 1818, it would see its first post office in 1831, which was named after the then Secretary of State Martin Van Buren, who would become president in 1837. Today, the historic town of Van Buren has a rich downtown area with a Victorian-era Main Street. Three of the best buildings to see downtown include the Crawford County Bank Building, Crawford County Courthouse, and Anheuser-Busch Brewing Company, the makers of Budweiser beer. Another historic building to explore is the Drennen-Scott House, which has roots in major American events, including the Trail of Tears, the Underground Railroad, and the American Civil War. One of the town's major attractions is all of the boutiques and merchants that sell collectible goods, including Main Street Mercantile, Main Street Threads Boutique, and Firefly Boutique & Gifts.

Hot Springs

Hot Springs earns its name from its natural springs in the area that can get up to 143 degrees Fahrenheit. As a result, this area was popular among both Native Americans and European Explorers. Hernando de Soto first visited the área in 1541, and President Andrew Jackson named Hot Springs the first federal reservation in 1832, making it the first national park in the nation's history. At the Hot Springs National Park itself, you can enjoy 26 miles of hiking trails before relaxing in one of the historic bathhouses on Bathhouse Row. Shoppers will love Hot Springs due to its many great antique shops ranging from the Hot Springs Flea Market to Utopia Antiques & Collectibles and more. Don't forget to pick up some soap from the Bathhouse Soapery & Caldarium to get the full Hot Springs experience.

Calico Rock

Located on the White River, Calico Rock's history goes back to 1820, when it was a steamboat landing site. It was first called Calcio Landing but later became a major town in the early 1900s when the railroad was set up in the area. It earns its name from the calico-colored rocks in the area. At the Calico Rock Museum, you can learn more about the area, including the Native Americans who lived here, and purchase handmade artwork from 28 artists. One of the more interesting parts of town is Calico Rock's Ghost Town from its time as a boomtown. This area has a pool hall, barber shop, cotton gin, funeral parlor, and more. You can spend a day fishing or camping at the Lindsey Trout Dock & Campground or go for a longer drive to the Ozark National Forest.

With its history of French, English, and American settlement, Arkansas is a treasure trove for seekers of old towns. In these towns, you will find many interesting museums that are both related to the history of the area and famous Arkansas residents like NASCAR racers or entertainers. Nature lovers will also appreciate these historic towns due to their picturesque outdoor attractions ranging from hot springs to mountain trails. The next time you find yourself in Arkansas, consider visiting these 8 old small towns.