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Powhatan Historic State Park: A Glimpse into 19th-Century Arkansas

Discover 19th-century Arkansas at Powhatan Historic State Park: a preserved river port town with original buildings and rich history on the Black River.

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Step back in time at Powhatan Historic State Park, a preserved 19th-century river port town on the Black River in northeast Arkansas. Explore original buildings, including the 1888 courthouse, and discover the area's rich history and culture.

A brief summary to Powhatan Historic State Park

Local tips

  • Take a guided tour to fully appreciate the history and significance of the park's historic structures.
  • Visit the Northeast Arkansas Regional Archives to delve into historical documents and conduct genealogical research.
  • Check the park's schedule for historical programs and workshops.
  • Combine your visit with nearby Lake Charles State Park and Davidsonville State Park for a day of exploring Arkansas's natural and historical attractions.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Powhatan Historic State Park is located on Arkansas Highway 25 in Powhatan. From major roads in the region, follow signs for AR-25 to reach the park. The park entrance is located at 4414 AR-25, Powhatan, AR 72458. There is no admission fee to enter the park. Parking is available on-site.

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Discover more about Powhatan Historic State Park

Powhatan Historic State Park offers a unique window into the past, preserving the history and heritage of a once-thriving 19th-century river port town. Located on the Black River in Lawrence County, the park showcases what life was like in Powhatan during its heyday as a commercial and governmental center. The park's centerpiece is the 1888 Powhatan Courthouse, which dominates the landscape and houses exhibits that interpret the commerce and culture of Lawrence County from the Reconstruction era through the early 20th century. Other notable historic buildings include the 1873 Powhatan jail, the 1840s Ficklin-Imboden log house, the 1888 telephone exchange building, and the 1890 Powhatan Male and Female Academy, a two-room schoolhouse. All six historic buildings stand on their original foundations. Visitors can explore the park's historic structures and learn about the area's significance through guided tours led by knowledgeable interpreters. The Northeast Arkansas Regional Archives, located within the park, houses historical documents and allows for historical and genealogical research. The park also offers historical programs and workshops. Powhatan's story is one of growth and decline. Founded in 1820 as a ferry landing, the town flourished as a river port and trading center after the arrival of the first steamboat in 1829. It became the county seat in 1869, but the arrival of the Kansas City-Memphis railroad in 1883, which bypassed the town, led to its gradual decline. In 1963, the county seat was moved to Walnut Ridge. However, thanks to the efforts of the Lawrence County Historical Society and Arkansas State Parks, Powhatan was reborn as a historic community, preserving its unique heritage for future generations.

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