Historic Washington State Park

Historic Washington State Park is one of the most historic places in Arkansas. Visit this 19th century town, where the roads were never paved. Look on in amazement at the traditional former public buildings and private home sites.

History of Washington, Arkansas

Washington, Arkansas was founded on George Washington's birthday in 1824. Today, Historic Washington State Park is a National Historic Landmark. Experience what the 19th century was really like by walking the board sidewalks next to unpaved streets. Originally, Washington was a stopping point for travelers heading to Mexican Texas. The Red River, located in Washington's home county, Hempstead County, was the border of the United States and Mexico. During the Civil War, Washington served as the state capitol after the fall of Little Rock to the Union forces. The town began its historic preservation movement in 1958. Today, Washington is the most authentically preserved example of popular 19th century architecture in Arkansas.

Historic Washington State Park today

Today, the park is home to 30 carefully restored historically significant buildings. They feature a variety of architectural styles, including Southern Greek Revival, Federal, Gothic Revival, Italianate and those of hand-hewn timber and brace-framed frontier dwellings. Washington is also home to the world-renown Texarkana College/Bill Moran School of Bladesmithing. Bill Moran crafted the blade that gained fame as the Bowie Knife. The living history park is open to visitors from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm every day of the year except New Year's Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Visit Historic Washington State Park to gain an appreciation of life in Arkansas during the 19th century. Its beautiful buildings and oldest live oaks in the state are sure to awe you.