America’s national museums and monuments pay tribute to and preserve our country’s most notable figures, moments in time, and irreplaceable pieces of art and architecture. In Arkansas, our southern slice of beauty is home to more history than most; it seems everywhere you turn offers a storied glimpse into the past! Fortunately, many of our historical sites are preserved in a variety of parks and historic districts throughout the state, and there’s truly no better way to understand our state’s journey to the present than by paying a visit to centuries gone by. But while many folks know about the most iconic historic landmarks in Arkansas – those found in cities like Little Rock, Eureka, and Fort Smith – the quieter, often untold stories of our smaller towns can get overlooked. Nestled along the Arkansas River, the quaint mid-sized town of Conway has made a name for itself as an education center and is home to multiple colleges. But it’s also home to some uniquely relevant historic places that are well worth a visit as well. Here are five of our favorites:
This darling two-story red brick building is worth a visit for quite a few reasons! In addition to being housed in what was once a jailhouse in the late 1800s, the entire building is laid out with exhibits of life in the old days of Faulkner County. Notable individuals, homes, environmental happenings, and more are all explored here. But for the train enthusiast or child at heart, the second floor is particularly special! The space is home to a number of detailed, time-period accurate model trains and stations that show off local rail history.
Faulkner County Museum also hosts a number of special events, classes, and bazaars throughout the year. You can find more information about hours, admission, and special events on the Faulkner County Museum website.
This humble 1830s abode can be found on the same grounds as the Faulkner County Museum (and is, in fact, a part of the museum), but has its own special place on this list for good reason: it shows off the unique dog-trot building style of the southeast that was common in the 19th and early 20th Centuries. The central breezeway helped keep each wing of the house cool in our characteristically humid summers. The stories of Daniel Greathouse himself vary, but the home served as both residence and inn on the route of the Butterfield Overland Trail.
Advertisement
3. Cadron Settlement Park
Cadron Settlement Lane, Cadron Settlement Ln, Conway, AR 72034, USA
Perhaps Conway's most well-known historic landmark, this 150-acre site is home to a diverse number of local NRHP entries from a wide variety of time periods, plus special memorial markers highlighting the Trail of Tears (which passed through), and remembering the Cherokee who did not survive the journey. Originally a French trading post and primarily home to survivors of the War of 1812, the settlement declined after the Pulaski County seat was moved before being fully abandoned around 1831. Here you'll find the Blockhouse, which served as both a fort, residence, tavern, and more, as well as various signage noting Cadron's relevance to the Buttermilk Overland Trail.
From around 1820 to 1971, the massive, 37-ton Toad Suck Ferry was how locals crossed the river between Faulkner and Perry Counties, hauling animals, people, and vehicles easily across the Arkansas River. This impressive flat-topped boat could shuttle five or six cars across the water at a time and was powered by a diesel engine after its upgrade in the 50s. When the Toad Suck Lock and dam were built, the ferry became obsolete and bounced between locations before finally returning to Conway as a memorial in Old Ferry Landing Park. This historic landmark in Arkansas is an excellent example of our state's more recent history!
5. Robinson Historic District
Robinson Avenue, Robinson Ave, Conway, AR 72034, USA
Conway is home to multiple official and unofficial historic areas. As the oldest residential area in town, the Robinson Historic District is officially on the NRHP for good reason. Although of varying size and shape, many of the houses here feature ornate and timeless architectural characteristics, while others were home to individuals who played a major role in Conway's development. The Frank U. Halter House, historic Farmers State Bank (currently the First Security Bank), and incredible First United Methodist Church are all within the district.
There’s no shortage of history in the Natural State! Of course, this is a short list of all the historic places that Conway has to offer. Other landmarks, like the Young Memorial or Faulkner County Courthouse, are all excellent places to visit as well. Do you have a favorite, underrated historic spot in Arkansas? Let us know!
