If you’re looking for a place where you can step back into 19th century Arkansas, you’ll want to visit Historic Washington State Park. This beautifully preserved village is located in the southwest Arkansas town of Washington, which was once an important stop for many sojourners on the way to Texas. Some of its most famous visitors were Sam Houston, James Bowie, and Davy Crockett. In fact, James Black, a blacksmith from the town of Washington, is credited with the invention of the Bowie knife. In Historic Washington State Park, you’ll find beautifully preserved buildings all decked out in authentic 19th century museum-quality artifacts.

For directions to Historic Washington State Park, click here.

The state park was established in 1973, and its focus is on interpreting the town of Washington as it was between 1800 and 1900.
Flickr/Farther Along
The 1874 Hempstead County Courthouse serves as the visitor center for the park. You can take guided tours through the park to learn about the history of the town and Arkansas pioneer life.
Flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM
In 1939, the county seat was moved to Hope, but this beautiful courthouse was in operation until then.
The 1836 Hempstead County Courthouse is also part of the park.
Flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM
Williams Tavern is totally adorable.
Flickr/Farther Along
Even the old Hempstead County Jail is idyllic.
Flickr/Jonathan Ball
You’ll also find a blacksmith shop.
Flickr/Farther Along
The 1914 Schoolhouse is a group facility that is available to rent for events.
Flick/Jonathan Ball
The grounds are gorgeous and full of throwbacks as well.
Flickr/Farther Along
Flickr/Dave Thomas
Flickr/Dave Thomas
Even the trees in Washington State Park are historic.
Flickr/Dave Thomas
The interiors of the old buildings are amazing.
Flickr/Farther Along
Flickr/Dave Thomas
You’ll find a number of residences to tour. From stately homes like the Block House . . .
Flickr/Farther Along
. . . to unassuming dwellings like the Royston Log House . . .
Wikimedia/Billy Hathorn
. . . to extremely cute places like the Sanders House . . .
Flickr/Farther Along
. . . Historic Washington State Park is a gorgeous way to step back in time.
Flickr/Jonathan Ball
The Trimble House dates from 1847.

To find more amazing historic places, click here.

If you want to read some stunning (and sometimes hilarious) tales from the histories of Arkansas’s towns, read this article.

For things about Arkansas you never learned in school, you’ll want to see this.

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