The Hampson Archeological Museum State Park would be a great place to visit for people of any age who are interested in archeology and/or early native American tribes.
The museum is located in the town of Wilson, Arkansas right on the town square. It is a small but very well done museum which can be seen in a short amount of time.
If you are visiting this museum and the Town of Wilson you might also be interested in a visit to the nearby home where singer Johnny Cash grew up. It provides a fascinating look at rural Arkansas during the depression.
Who Was James Kelly Hampson
James Kelly Hampson (1877 – 1956) was a medical doctor and amateur archeologist. His family owned thousands of acres of Delta land near the town of Osceola called Nodena Plantation.
Nodena is the site of at least two villages that were inhabited by Native American tribes. .
From his childhood Hampson was fascinated by the artifacts that were found on his family property and was very careful in his collection and protection of them.
Through his life he amassed a large and important collection of artifacts and is one of only a few amateur archaeologists to be honored with an obituary in American Antiquity.
Dr. Hampson cooperated with professional archeologists and although he wasn’t trained in archeology it is said that he never acted like an amateur.
According to the materials in the museum, he was constantly working at the historic sites of Nodena and would bring in archeologists from other places to help as well.
Between 1932 and 1941, Hampson excavated and recorded over 1200 human burials Nodena. In 1932, he permitted the University of Arkansas Museum and the Alabama Museum of Natural History to come in and conduct extensive excavations as well.
At the time of his death, his collection included more than 40,000 items, most found and catalogued under his supervision.
After Hampson’s death his wife, Frances, donated his collection to the state of Arkansas.
You Might Also Be Interested In:
Here are a few more of our favorite state parks:
- Pinnacle Mountain State Park in Little Rock.
- Mount Magazine State Park which is the highest point in Arkansas.
- Mount Nebo State Park is another one of our favorites, we love the views and hiking there.
- Petit Jean State Park is one of the premiere parks in the natural state.
History of the Peoples at the Nodena Sites
I’m no archeological expert! Here is a short version of what I’ve learned. Go to the museum to learn MUCH more!
The Nodena Site that Dr. Hampson excavated existed from approximately 1400 to 1650. There were 15 acres that seem to have been a palisaded village.
The village included a burial mound, many home sites, a chunky court, and a plaza area.
The houses in the village were laid out in a very orderly fashion demonstrating that the whole site was planned. Nodena is also known for a certain type of arrowhead as well as a type of rare, painted red and white pottery.
You can see some excellent samples of the pottery in the museum.
The people probably farmed extensively, growing corn, beans, squash, and other plants as well. In addition to farming they took advantage of their position in a bend of the Mississippi River to fish and hunt.
There was evidence of alligator gar and mussels being consumed as well as land animals and water fowl being hunted.
It seems that these people must have also traded with other tribes as shells from the Gulf and stones from as far away as Illinois have also been found on the site.
For a perfect stay in Wilson, Arkansas check out the luxurious Louis Hotel. It is located just around the corner from the Hampson Archeological Museum. After a visit to the museum you will definitely want to have a meal at The Wilson Cafe which is located just across the square from the state park.
The Hampson Archeological Museum
The Museum was originally housed in a very small building, but in 2018 it got an upgrade!
The old building was only 1740 square feet and was built more than 50 years ago. The new museum is 8,580 square feet. It is extremely well laid out with a nice entry, gift area, and restrooms.
It is now a state of the art facility which provides visitors with opportunities for hands on experiences and has some stunning displays. The museum now has spaces for much more research to be performed on the collection.
The new museum sits right on the square of the town of Wilson. Although the interior is modern and state of the art the exterior was built to match the Tudor style of the existing buildings on the square of Wilson. It is a perfect mix of old and new.
The new Hampson Archeological Museum State Park is really able to showcase Dr. Hampson’s nationally renowned collection from the Nodena site.
The artifacts and exhibits share the story of an early people who farmed, hunted, created art, and had a religious and political structure.
As always be sure and check out the museum opening days and times before you go! You can check out the park brochure here.
I tend to really enjoy museums like the Hampson Archeological State Park in Wilson and the Esse Purse Museum in Little Rock that are easy to take in and very tightly focused.
This is not a big state park, but it is a special one!
Thanks for stopping by!
