Here Are The Oldest Photos Of Arkansas And They're Incredible

I’ve scoured the internet just for you, dear readers. This time I was hunting for the oldest photos in Arkansas, and oh my stars did I find a treasure trove. Below you’re going to find 13 of the oldest photos taken in the Natural State, the date range of these gems runs from just after the Civil War to 1915. From a youthful Cy Young training in Little Rock to poultry farming like you’ve never seen it before, these pictures offer unique glimpses into Arkansas’s past. Let’s check it out.

1. The steamboat *Sultana,* loaded with Civil War veterans on their way home, just days before its massive explosion. This image was captured on April 27, 1865, on the Mississippi River at Helena. Days later the sinking of the *Sultana* would go down as the biggest naval disaster in U.S. history.

2. The outlaw Belle Starr and Deputy U.S. Marshal Benjamin Tyner Hughes mounted on horseback in the mean streets of Fort Smith in 1886, when the fort was still an infamous border town tasked with doling out justice to the wilds of Oklahoma.

3. A game on the tennis courts of the 1886 Crescent Hotel in Eureka Springs. This photo was taken between 1896 and 1900. It is no wonder the hotel is now considered to be the most haunted hotel in America.

4. The aftermath of a tornado in Fort Smith. This photograph was taken in 1898, long before the early warning systems that could have saved lives were in place.

5. The Ozark Queen is seen here unloading at Calico Rock, ca. 1900.

6. McLeod’s Cabin, which was called Happy Hollow. This image was captured in Hot Springs, circa 1901. This is a good reminder of a time when Arkansas truly was a frontier.

7. The J.K. Hughes Family, taken three years after they came to Arkansas from Georgia. Murfreeboro, 1903.

8. The Boston Red Sox at spring training in Little Rock, 1907. Can you spot Cy Young?

9. University of Arkansas football team, circa 1908. Though it is not known when "Calling the Hogs" became a tradition, but it was likely during the 1920s, so if you hollered "woo pig sooie" at these fellows, they'd be mightily confused.

10. Unidentified family in a Ford in Dumas, ca. 1910. The adults appear to be a bit skeptical about the new technology.

11. A flock of goats being raised in the Ozarks. This was captured near Waldron in 1912 by workers on the Kansas City Southern Railway.

12. These men are preparing poultry for shipment near Gravette in 1912. This is another photo from a series by the Kansas City Southern Railway. It certainly is a far cry from Arkansas's poultry industry today.

13. These unidentified men are standing in front of an ice wagon pulled by mules. This image was captured in Hot Springs, ca. 1915.

What did you think of the oldest photos of Arkansas? It’s always wild to take a look back through old photos and see how far we’ve come. Let us know if you’d like to see more of these types of articles in the comments below!

Still want to keep scrolling for more historic photos? Check out our previous article where we take a look at some of the mind-blowing photos of Arkansas’s agricultural heritage. And to learn some history you may not have heard about in school, read this one.

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oldest photos of Arkansas

Jackie Ann | October 11, 2020

What is the oldest town in Arkansas?

For history lovers, visiting old town can be quite the treat. Founded in 1821, Batesville is the oldest city in Arkansas but there’s actually a little settlement in Arkansas that was founded long before Batesville, and that’s Georgetown, which was first settled in 1789. It is considered the oldest continuously settled area in Arkansas, while Batesville holds the honor for being the oldest city in Arkansas. Both Batesville and Georgetown are lovely areas that are perfect for the history lover looking to take a glimpse into Arkansas’ past.

What are the oldest hotel in Arkansas?

For an enchanting and historical stay, visit the Capital Hotel in Arkansas. Established in 1877, this majestic beauty is the oldest hotel in Arkansas, and you can find it in the heart of Little Rock, Arkansas. Fully restored in 2007, the modern luxury hotel features four stories, a beautiful Victorian facade, and beautiful Corinthian pilasters. The hotel was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974, and is a local landmark.

Is Arkansas a great place to live?

We think so! One of Arkansas’ nicknames is “The Land of Opportunity,” and we couldn’t agree more. The Natural State is home to abundant wilderness areas including mountains, caves, rivers, hot springs, and so much more. For the urban explorer, major cities like Fayetteville, Little Rock, and Hot Springs all offer endless amenities to enjoy, and small-town Arkansas life is always delightfully charming with beautiful main streets lined with local shops, restaurants, and boutiques.

Explore Arkansas

Featured Addresses

Hot Springs, AR, USA

Fort Smith, AR, USA

Gravette, AR, USA

Waldron, AR 72958, USA

Dumas, AR, USA

University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA

Little Rock, AR, USA

Murfreesboro, AR 71958, USA

Calico Rock, AR, USA

Crescent Hotel and Spa, 75 Prospect Ave, Eureka Springs, AR 72632, USA

Helena-West Helena, AR, USA

Here Are The Oldest Photos Ever Taken In Arkansas And They're Incredible

J.B. VanDyke

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