Powhatan Historic State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Powhatan Historic State Park |
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Historic Powhatan courthouse
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 Powhatan Historic State Park
Location in Arkansas
Powhatan Historic State Park
Location in the United States
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| Location | Lawrence County, Arkansas, United States |
| Area | 9.1 acres (3.7 ha) |
| Elevation | 292 ft (89 m) |
| Established | March 28, 1970 |
| Governing body | Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism |
| Website | Powhatan Historic State Park |
Powhatan Historic State Park is a special place in Lawrence County, Arkansas. It covers about 9 acres and is a great example of an Arkansas state park. This park used to be called Powhatan Courthouse State Park.
The main building is the historic Powhatan courthouse, built in 1888. This courthouse was the center of local government for nearly 100 years. Today, it's a museum filled with interesting old items. It also serves as the park's Visitor Center. You can explore five historic buildings in total. The park also has the Northeast Arkansas Regional Archives, which keeps old records. You can take a tour to see all these amazing historical spots.
Powhatan was once a very busy town. It was an important stop for boats on the Black River. But in 1883, a new railway line was built two miles north. This railway made river travel less important, and Powhatan's busy days slowly faded.
Discovering Powhatan's Past
How Powhatan Became a Busy Town
Before 1849, Powhatan was already a very important place for business in Lawrence County. It was located right on the Black River. This made it perfect for river travel and as a place to cross the river by ferry.
In the 1830s, a major road called the Military Road passed nearby. This helped the town's economy grow even more. People bought and sold many goods here.
Changes After the Civil War
The Civil War (1861-1865) caused big problems for Powhatan. River trade stopped, especially after the Union Army took control of Arkansas. There were many small battles in the area, which made life hard for everyone.
After the war, things slowly started to get better. The county government moved to Powhatan from Clover Bend. This decision really helped Powhatan recover and become important again.
The Railway and Powhatan's Decline
In 1883, a new railway line was built. It crossed the Black River two miles north of Powhatan, through a town called Black Rock. This new railway meant that fewer people used the river for travel and trade. As a result, Powhatan became less important for business.
In 1887, the county decided to split its court duties. Courts were held in both Walnut Ridge and Powhatan. Later, in the 1950s, US Route 63 was changed to go around Powhatan. A new bridge was built over the Black River, bypassing the town. Finally, in 1968, all county government moved to Walnut Ridge. This marked the end of Powhatan's role as a county center.
Historic Buildings at Powhatan
The Ficklin-Imboden House
This house is also known as the Powhatan Log House. It's a simple log cabin with a pointed roof. Another section was added to the back later. Experts believe it was built around 1850. It is thought to be the oldest house still standing in Lawrence County.
The Powhatan Courthouse
The courthouse sits on a hill, looking over the Black River. It's a two-story building made of brick, resting on a stone base. Brick columns, called pilasters, go up both stories at the corners and between the windows.
Its square tower has fancy decorations at the top of each level. The tower is topped with a pyramid-shaped roof. This courthouse was built in 1888. It's one of the few government buildings from that time still left in northeast Arkansas.
The Powhatan Jail
Just a short walk from the courthouse, you'll find the jail. It's a small, one-story building made of limestone and concrete. It has a hip roof (a roof that slopes on all four sides) with a raised section in the middle. This raised part, like a small tower, helped with air circulation.
The jail was built in 1873. It's the only building in Powhatan that remains from when the first courthouse was built. From 1935 to 1937, the building was used as a cannery by local clubs. It has since been carefully restored.
The Powhatan Schoolhouse
This schoolhouse is a one-story building made of wood. It has a side gable roof and a front section that sticks out. This front part holds the entrance area for the two-room schoolhouse. Inside, the classroom has a wall that can slide open or closed. This allowed it to be used as one big room or two smaller ones. It was built around 1888, replacing an older log school.
The Commercial (Telephone Exchange) Building
This is a one-story brick building located at what was once a very busy street corner in Powhatan. It has a simple front with three sections. Each section has a rounded arch opening for windows or a central door. It was built in the 1880s. This is the only old commercial building left from historic Powhatan.
It first housed the town's first telephone system. Over the years, it was also used as a doctor's office, a general store, a post office, and even a private home.
Park Activities and Facilities
Powhatan Historic State Park is focused on history. It does not offer camping or other recreational facilities like playgrounds. Visitors come here to learn about the past and explore the historic buildings.
More to Explore
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Lawrence County, Arkansas
- Jacksonport State Park, another historic state park in the area
