This Historic Tavern Is Older Than The State Of Arkansas Itself

You may have taken a float trip or stayed at one of the shore-side cabins. The peacefulness of the river certainly isn't a new discovery, however.

Shortly after the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, the Looney family established a farmstead along the banks of the Eleven Point River. During the first meeting held for the Arkansas territorial legislature at the Arkansas Post, Looney was elected to be one of the counselors on the committee. Looney served as justice of the peace, captain of the local militia, and the financier as well. Looney died as one of the richest men in the nation, part of that being due to his tavern.

The tavern was constructed in 1833, three years before Arkansas would become the 25th state admitted to the Union. It's unclear whether the dogtrot building served as just a tavern or an inn as well, but it did hold Looney's distillery. The distillery produced 1,500 gallons of apple brandy whiskey every year until Looney's death in 1846.

Reuben Rice’s house even predates the tavern since it was constructed in 1828. The house is still standing just on the other side of the river from Looney's farmstead.

Both places were donated to the Black River Technical College for education and restorations. The college's REACH program (Researching Early Arkansas Cultural Heritage) is primarily intended for student field trips but the program does occasionally have public tours as well. For more information, as well as contact information about upcoming tours, visit this site.