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Johnny Cash Boyhood Home: A Walk Through History

Walk in the footsteps of a legend at the Johnny Cash Boyhood Home in Dyess, Arkansas. Experience the roots of the Man in Black.

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Step back in time at the Johnny Cash Boyhood Home in Dyess, Arkansas, a restored New Deal-era farmhouse where the Man in Black spent his formative years. Experience the humble beginnings that shaped a music legend and learn about the Dyess Colony, a unique social experiment during the Great Depression.

A brief summary to Johnny Cash Boyhood Home

Local tips

  • Purchase tickets online in advance to guarantee your spot, especially during peak season.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Southern Tenant Farmers Museum in Tyronza to learn more about the history of agriculture and the Great Depression in Arkansas.
  • Allow at least 1-2 hours for a complete tour of the Visitors Center, Administration Building, and the Boyhood Home.
  • Check the Historic Dyess Colony website for special events, concerts, and seasonal hours.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    The Johnny Cash Boyhood Home is located in Dyess, Arkansas, approximately 44 miles north of Memphis, Tennessee. The easiest way to reach the site is by car. From Memphis, take I-55 North to Exit 41, then turn left onto State Hwy 14W. Travel about 5 miles and turn left onto Hwy 297. The Dyess Colony Visitors Center, where tours begin, is at 110 Center Drive. Note: GPS may recommend an unpaved gravel road; follow the directions above to avoid it. There is free parking available at the Visitors Center. Car rentals are available at Memphis International Airport. Typical car rentals at Memphis International Airport range from $30-$60 per day. Gas prices in Arkansas average $3.30/gallon as of July 2025.

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Discover more about Johnny Cash Boyhood Home

The Johnny Cash Boyhood Home, located in Dyess, Arkansas, offers a glimpse into the early life of one of America's most iconic musicians. From 1935 to 1950, Johnny Cash, then known as J.R., lived in this simple five-room house with his family, as part of the Dyess Colony, a federal agricultural resettlement community established during the New Deal era. The Dyess Colony was founded in 1934 to provide impoverished farmers with the opportunity to work and eventually own their land. The Cash family, like nearly 500 others, was given 20 acres of fertile land and a house in the colony. Life in Dyess was challenging, with the family working hard in the cotton fields to make a living. These experiences profoundly influenced Johnny Cash's music, with themes of hardship, resilience, and faith echoing throughout his career. Today, the Johnny Cash Boyhood Home has been meticulously restored to its 1930s appearance, based on the memories of Johnny's siblings. Visitors can tour the house and grounds, gaining insight into the daily life of the Cash family and the unique social experiment that was the Dyess Colony. The tour begins at the Dyess Colony Visitors Center, located in the former town theater, and includes a visit to the Dyess Colony Administration Building, which houses exhibits about the colony's history and its impact on Johnny Cash's music. Visiting the Johnny Cash Boyhood Home is a powerful and moving experience, offering a deeper understanding of the man behind the music and the historical context that shaped his life and art.

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