Conway Cemetery Historic State Park

Conway Cemetery Historic State Park honors the memory of the first governor of Arkansas. Located on the former site of Governor Conway's plantation, it is one of Arkansas's smallest state parks today.

Governor Conway

James Sevier Conway was a planter, surveyor and early pioneer in Arkansas. Born in Tennessee, Conway came to Arkansas as a surveyor in 1829 and was appointed surveyor-general of the Arkansas Territory by President Andrew Jackson. In 1836, he became the first governor of Arkansas when it was admitted to the Union as the 25th state. His family was active in politics throughout the southern United States; one brother was also a governor of Arkansas and another was a congressman. Several of his cousins served Arkansas as governor and senator, while another cousin was governor of Virginia. Conway passed away in 1855, but his family continued its political influence until after the Civil War. Today, the town of Conway, Arkansas is named for him.

Conway Cemetery Historic State Park

Governor Conway is buried near the site of his plantation home, Walnut Hill. His half-acre family plot is contained within the 11.5-acre state park. He is buried alongside his wife and five of their ten children. These five children died in infancy or childhood, while the other five survived to adulthood. The park is situated in the southwestern part of Lafayette County, in the southwestern portion of Arkansas. Due to the park's size, there are no campground or visitor services available at this time. The park was dedicated in 1986 by then governor Bill Clinton.

For a place of quiet beauty, visit Conway Cemetery Historic State Park in Lafayette County, Louisiana. There you find the final resting place of Governor Conway, Arkansas's first governor, and his family.