Canehill, Arkansas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Canehill, Arkansas
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Main façade of the Canehill Post Office
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 Canehill, Arkansas
Location in Arkansas
Canehill, Arkansas
Location in the United States
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| Country |  United States |
| State |  Arkansas |
| County | Washington |
| Township | Cane Hill |
| Founded | 1839 |
| Elevation | 423 m (1,388 ft) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 74 |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| Zip code |
72717
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| Area code(s) | 479 |
| GNIS feature ID | 2805630 |
Canehill is a small, historic community in Washington County, Arkansas. It is known as an unincorporated community and a census-designated place (CDP). This means it is a recognized community but does not have its own local government. In 2020, 74 people lived there.
Canehill is nestled in the beautiful Ozark Mountains. It is close to the bigger Northwest Arkansas area. This community is one of the oldest and most historic places in Arkansas. Many of its buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This list helps protect important historical sites.
The Cane Hill College started here in 1834. This made the community grow quickly as a center for learning. The college and the town faced challenges during the American Civil War. Also, the railroad later chose a different path, going through Lincoln instead of Canehill. Today, a group called Historic Cane Hill Inc. is working hard to restore and protect many of the old buildings.
Contents
Exploring Canehill's Location
Canehill is located about 1,322 feet above sea level. You can find it on Arkansas Highway 45. It is about 25 miles (40 km) southwest of Fayetteville. The Oklahoma border is only about 6 miles (10 km) to the east. The local ZIP code is 72717. In 2000, about 847 people lived in the area covered by this ZIP code.
A Look Back at Canehill's History
Early Beginnings and College
In 1834, the Cumberland Presbyterians started the first college in Arkansas. They named it the Cane Hill School. It was named after a nearby hill. The current Post Office opened in 1839. It did not have a name at first. In 1843, it was named Boonsboro. The town kept this name during the American Civil War.
The year 1862 brought the Battle of Cane Hill. This was an important event during the Civil War. Later, in 1897, the Cumberland Presbyterian Church thought about making Cane Hill College their main state college. But the University of Arkansas was nearby. Also, Canehill was becoming smaller and was in a remote spot. So, they decided to open Arkansas Cumberland College in Clarksville, Arkansas, which was easier to reach.
College Closure and Name Change
In 1891, Cane Hill College closed its doors for good. Then, in 1901, the community's name was changed to Canehill, which is what it is called today.
Canehill's Economy
Early settlers came to Canehill because of its natural springs. These springs helped with farming. The community became a busy trading post. It was a place where apple farmers could sell their crops to merchants from Fort Smith. People in Canehill also grew and sold sorghum. This is a type of grain. They still celebrate this tradition today at the yearly harvest festival.
Education in Canehill
Students in Canehill attend schools in the Lincoln Consolidated School District. The only high school for the community is Lincoln High School.
Who Lives in Canehill?
Canehill is a very small community. According to the 2020 census, 74 people live there.
Getting Around Canehill
As of 2023, there are no regular bus services in Canehill. However, Ozark Regional Transit offers a special service. You can call them to arrange a ride in the area. If you need to travel between cities, the closest bus service is Jefferson Lines in Fayetteville.
Images for kids
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A.R. Carroll Building
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Blackburn House
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Cane Hill Museum
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D.N. Edmiston House
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John Edmiston House
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Zeb Edmiston House
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Harvest Festival Sign
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Methodist Manse
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Streetside in Cane Hill
