Old Washington Historic State Park
Arkansas’s Historic Washington is a 19th-century town that has been meticulously restored. The Pioneer Washington Restoration Foundation and the Arkansas State Parks Department maintain it. Washington, founded in 1824, has played a pivotal role as a critical stopping point on the treacherous Southwest Trail for pioneers making their way to Texas.
James Bowie, Sam Houston, and Davy Crockett are just a few famous people who have travelled through Washington. Local blacksmith James Black is credited with making the original Bowie Knife. Eventually, the town grew into a centre for the region’s plantation owners, merchants, and professionals. The Confederate government of Arkansas used Washington as their capital from 1863 to 1865.
History of Old Washington Historic State Park
Historic Washington’s 1824-1889 state parks opened in 1973. The park’s visitor centre occupies the 1874 Courthouse. Self-guided tours include the 1836 Courthouse, Blacksmith Shop, Weapons Museum, and Residences. Tours are available daily. Williams’ Tavern Restaurant, founded in 1832, serves classic Southern cuisine for lunch daily.
The 1914 Schoolhouse and the WPA Gymnasium both have kitchens and can be rented out for events, as can the meeting rooms and auditorium in the former. The Southwest Arkansas Regional Archives, a historical and genealogical study centre, is also located in the park.
Lodge at Old Washington Historic State Park
The renovated 1914 Schoolhouse at Arkansas’s Old Washington Historic State Park can accommodate large groups. There’s enough room for 60 people to sleep inside. There is an auditorium and a meeting room available for events and gatherings.
Sheets and blankets for the bunk beds cost an extra $17.50 per stay. You can rent the auditorium for $125 per day, the conference room for $100 per day, or both for $225 per day. The entire structure can be yours for an additional $800 per day.
Address: 103 Franklin St, Washington, AR 71862, United States
Opens-Closed: 8 am-5 pm
Phone: +1 870-983-2684
Email: historicwashington@arkansas.com
Established: July 1, 1973
Area: 101 acres
