Historic Washington State Park is THE destination for history buffs in Arkansas. This place will truly make you feel as if you are stepping back into time.
We spent a delightful day there recently and really recommend a visit to this unique state park!
A Visit to Historic Washington State Park
Here is what you need to know to plan your visit to the Historic Washington State Park.
Location of Historic Washington State Park
The address of the park is: 103 Franklin Street Washington, AR 71862
It is located in the southwest portion of the state, about 10 miles off of Interstate 30 near the town of Hope, Arkansas.
It is about an hour and 45 minutes from the capital city of Little Rock. Be sure and check their website for hours and special events.
A Little Bit of the History of Historic Washington State Park
Washington was founded in 1824 and became an important stop along the Southwest Trail for pioneers heading west into Texas.
During the Civil War, after Little Rock fell to Union forces, Washington actually served as the Confederate capital of Arkansas from 1863 to 1865.
Today, the town is preserved as a state park with the largest collection of 19th-century buildings in Arkansas.
Start at the Old Hempstead Courthouse
Your first stop should be the 1874 Hempstead County Courthouse which is now the Visitor Center.
It is here that you can pick up a map of the town, learn about the highlights of the old town, and schedule a guided tour or a carriage ride through the town. There are also bathroom facilities behind the courthouse.
A map is a necessity as the town covers several blocks on both sides of the main road. The docents will provide one and help you get oriented.
Carriage Rides and Guided Tours
While at the Visitor Center you have a choice to just pick up a map and wander around the town on your own or to sign up for a guided tour or carriage ride.
The state park is free to visit but there is a charge for the guided tours and the carriage rides. However, I really recommend that you choose to do one of these!
We took a carriage ride which lasted about 25 minutes. We learned SO much more about the history of the town than we would have known otherwise. There were some very interesting stories and personal anecdotes!
After our carriage ride we walked around and looked at anything else in the town that we might have missed.
NOTE: It is important to know that most of the buildings on the grounds are closed to the public. It is not a place where you are usually allowed to walk through all the old homes and structures.
However, if you take a guided tour you will be able to enter some of the buildings that are otherwise closed to the public.
The Bowie Knife
One of the major claims to fame of the town of Washington was that this is where the Bowie knife was created.
Because this town was such an important stop on the Southwest Trail, James Bowie, Sam Houston, and Davy Crockett famously traveled through here.
James Black, was a well-known local blacksmith in town and he actually forged the legendary knife that was used by James Bowie. Of course, this eventually became known as the Bowie knife!
So, yes, the Bowie knife was created in Arkansas in the town of Washington.
Did you know that Arkansas was once called the toothpick state because of another famous knife favored by the woodsmen in the state called the Arkansas toothpick?
We also learned many other interesting stories about Mr. Black while on our carriage ride.
Visit the Blacksmith Today
On your visit to Historic Washington State Park you can visit the blacksmith shop in town and watch the modern day craftsmen at work.
Honestly, feeling the heat from the fire, watching the sparks fly, and hearing the ring of the hammer on the anvil really makes you appreciate how much skill went into making those iconic blades.
Other Important Buildings at Historic Washington State Park
- 1836 Hempstead County Courthouse: A frame building that was the courthouse before the grander brick courthouse (now serving as the visitor center) was built.
- 1914 Schoolhouse: This handsome red brick building was once the schoolhouse for the town of Washington. Today, it is available for rent by the public for various events and group activities. It even has bunkhouses for overnight stays.
- Block-Catts House: This home was built by Abraham Block in 1832. It is one of the few Federal-style structures remaining in southwest Arkansas. Block was the first documented Jewish settler in Arkansas in the late 1820s.
- Washington Presbyterian Church: This Gothic-style church was built in 1889. In a 1907 tornado, the structure was lifted off its foundation and thrown in the street. Whole. The local men used mule teams to pull it back onto its foundation.
Those are just a very few of the buildings that you will see in Historic Washington State Park!
There are several more houses, a smoke house, an old tavern building, a print museum, weapons museum, and much more.
There is also a cemetery where some of the prominent settlers of the town are buried. Even the blacksmith James Black is buried here but we learned that they aren’t sure exactly which grave is his.
Southern Cooking at Williams Tavern Restaurant
Built in 1832, the was restaurant originally owned by John Williams and served as a local tavern for travelers. Today, the Williams Tavern Restaurant continues that tradition of welcoming travelers while serving as the restaurant at Historic Washington State Park.
We had lunch here and were impressed with the food! In fact, we both thought it was the best food that we have ever had in a state park. There is a nice little salad bar as well as a variety of southern style home-cooked options. Everything was very good!
The Beautiful Grounds and The Magnificent Magnolia
One of the things that we really liked about this state park was the beauty of the grounds. Everywhere you looked were pretty gardens, well-manicured lawns, flowers, and gorgeous trees.
It was a delight just to walk around!
One stop that you absolutely can’t miss is to see the largest known magnolia tree in Arkansas. It was planted way back in 1839 by General Royston and this Southern Magnolia has stood the test of time! Its canopy is so massive they actually had to reroute the road around it.
It was planted way back in 1839 by General Royston and this Southern Magnolia has stood the test of time! Its canopy is so massive they actually had to reroute the road around it.
It’s seriously impressive standing under it. Many of the branches drop to the ground and you can walk around in the shade of the tree. It’s a bit like being wrapped up in green velvet.
The Jailhouse Bed and Breakfast
If you want to stay in the park there is the Jailhouse Bed and Breakfast. Yes, it was the original town jailhouse. Check out how thick the walls are!
It has been restored and turned into a nice bed and breakfast. There are 8 rooms to choose from each with a private bath.
Festivals and Events
If you can swing it, plan your visit to Historic Washington State Park during one of their festivals.
There is a Jonquil Festival in March. The town comes alive with music, crafts, food, and of course, thousands of blooming jonquils.
A festival to celebrate the Bowie knife called the James Black’s Bowie Heritage festival is held in April.
In December there is a beautiful Christmas event, the Christmas and Candlelight Celebration. At this event you will find the town decorated with thousands of luminaries.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or just someone looking for a unique, peaceful day trip, Historic Washington State Park totally delivers.
Between the towering magnolia, the nostalgic carriage rides, the clang of the blacksmith’s hammer, and the whispers of history around every corner, it is a place you will want to visit!
Happy exploring and thanks for stopping by!
