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Seed Warehouse No. 5: A Cotton Seed Story

Explore Arkansas's cotton heritage at Seed Warehouse No. 5, a unique architectural gem within the Plantation Agriculture Museum.

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Seed Warehouse No. 5, located at the Plantation Agriculture Museum in Scott, Arkansas, is a restored seed storage facility dating back to 1948. Once part of Robert L. Dortch Seed Farms, it now serves as an exhibit space, offering a glimpse into the region's cotton agriculture heritage.

A brief summary to Seed Warehouse No. 5

Local tips

  • Visit during the Annual Antique Tractor and Engine Show held the first Saturday after Labor Day to see pre-1960 mechanized farm equipment.
  • Allow at least two hours to explore the museum, gin, warehouse, and outdoor exhibits.
  • Contact the museum in advance to request a guided tour or to inquire about educational, hands-on programs.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    The Plantation Agriculture Museum is located in Scott, Arkansas, at the junction of U.S. 165 and Arkansas Highway 161. From I-440, take Exit 7 and go south on U.S. 165 for five miles. The museum will be on your left. Parking is available on-site.

  • Public Transport

    While there is no direct public transportation to the museum, you can take a taxi or ride-sharing service from Little Rock. Expect to pay around $30-$40 for a one-way trip. Uber, Lyft and other ride-sharing services are not typically available on demand near the museum.

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Discover more about Seed Warehouse No. 5

Seed Warehouse No. 5 stands as a tangible reminder of Arkansas's rich agricultural past. Built in 1948 by Robert L. Dortch, a prominent local cotton farmer, the warehouse was used to store cotton seeds. Dortch even drew the plans for the building on a paper towel. Its location was chosen because it was close to both the highway and the Cotton Belt Railroad. The building itself is a unique example of mid-20th century agricultural architecture, featuring sloping walls and gabled cupolas. The angled walls correspond to the angle at which cotton seeds naturally form piles. Restored in 2008, the warehouse now houses museum exhibits that tell the story of cotton production in Arkansas from statehood in 1836 through World War II. The Plantation Agriculture Museum, where Seed Warehouse No. 5 is located, preserves Arkansas's farming history. The museum complex includes the main museum building (originally a general store built in 1912), the Dortch Gin Exhibit (housing a 1916 cotton gin), and a historic tractor exhibit. Visitors can explore exhibits about growing, picking, ginning and storing cotton, and learn about the lives of those who worked the land, from slaves and sharecroppers to plantation owners.

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