Historic Washington, Arkansas, is a lovely, peaceful tree-shaded town in and one of the most amazing historic places in Arkansas that you'll want to experience. Here you will time travel back to the 19th century as you stroll the plank board sidewalks alongside streets that have never been paved, and tour the historic public buildings and former residences. Established on George Washington's birthday in 1824, the town of Washington today is one of America's premier historic villages. Historic Washington State Park is a National Historical Landmark, a National Register of Historic Places site, and an Arkansas state park you'll want to visit.

Today over 30 carefully restored historic structures including classic examples of Southern Greek Revival and Federal architecture, Gothic Revival, Italianate, and those of hand-hewn timber framing or brace-frame cottage construction, stand as a legacy to life in Washington from 1824 to 1900. Tour the public buildings and homes; see the remarkable collections of antiques, guns and knives; visit with the guides in period attire, ride the surrey around town; and step back in time. You'll want to spend time - quality time - exploring this lovely restored town that is certainly one of the finest historic places in Arkansas.

 

 

This historic Arkansas community and state park is conserved and interpreted by Arkansas State Parks in conjunction with the Pioneer Washington Restoration Foundation. Historic Washington State Park also houses the Southwest Arkansas Regional Archives, a resource center for historical and genealogical research. The collection features a library of rare books, newspapers, court records, census reports maps, family histories and scrapbooks, photographs and other materials within its extensive files.

 

The 1874 Hempstead County Courthouse serves as the park visitor center. Accessible parking is located behind the courthouse.

 

Lunch featuring Southern country fare is served daily from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the quaint, circa 1832 Williams' Tavern Restaurant.

 

Washington is also home to the world-renowned Texarkana College/Bill Moran School of Bladesmithing. Established in 1987, the school continues the tradition James Black, the gifted Washington bladesmith who was commissioned by James Bowie in 1831 to hand-forge a weapon that was to become the legendary "Bowie Knife" Colonel Bowie wielded in the defense of the Alamo. The school's prestigious faculty includes some of America's finest bladesmiths and is the only school in the world dedicated to art of making knives and swords. Classes are taught during the year through the Texarkana College in Texarkana, Texas.

 

Historic Washington State Park is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The park is closed on the following holidays: New Year's Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.