Arkansas Register of Historic Places facts for kids

The Arkansas Register of Historic Places (often called ARHPs) is a special list of important places in Arkansas. These places can be buildings, old sites, beautiful landscapes, or even objects that are super important to the history, culture, or architecture of the whole state. Think of it like a hall of fame for Arkansas's most special spots!

Who Decides What's Historic?

The Arkansas Historic Preservation Program (AHPP) is like the team that helps decide which places get on this important list. Usually, the owner of a property or people in a local community will suggest a place. Then, the AHPP helps prepare the paperwork. An eleven-member board, chosen by the Governor of Arkansas, looks at all the suggestions. They decide if a place is special enough to be added to the Register.

What Makes a Place Historic?

To get on the Arkansas Register of Historic Places, a building or site usually needs to be at least 50 years old. It also needs to meet one or more of these important rules:

• Important Events: The place was part of big events in Arkansas's history or in its local community.
• Important People: Famous or important people from Arkansas's past lived or worked there.
• Special Design: The place shows a unique style of architecture or represents a certain time period.
• Arkansas's Story: It helps us understand important parts of Arkansas's history, even from long, long ago.

Cool Places on the Register

The Arkansas Register of Historic Places has many amazing locations! Here are just a few examples of the diverse and interesting places that have been recognized for their importance:

• Boyhood Home of William “Bill” Jefferson Blythe III (Bill Clinton): This house in Hope is where Bill Clinton, who later became a U.S. President, lived as a boy. It was added to the Register in 2015.
• Fourche Bayou Battlefield: Located near Little Rock, this site marks a significant battle from the American Civil War in 1863. It helps us remember important moments in our nation's history.
• Jerome Japanese American Relocation Center: This site in Jerome was a place where Japanese Americans were held during World War II from 1942 to 1944. It's a reminder of a difficult time and an important part of American history.
• War Memorial Stadium: Found in Little Rock, this stadium was built in 1947. It's a place where many sports events and other gatherings have happened, making it a key part of the state's community life.

Images for kids

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  The boyhood home of Bill Clinton in Hope, Arkansas.

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  A view of the Bayou Fourche Battlefield.

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  A section of the Jerome Relocation Center.

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  War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock.

See also

• National Historic Sites (United States)
• National Register of Historic Places listings in Arkansas, with links to list articles by county