National Register Listing

Solomon Grove Smith-Hughes Building

a.k.a. FA 0868

S of Co. Rd. 29, Twin Groves, AR
Local significance of the building:
Education; Black; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1994.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

education ethnic heritage black architecture
The Little Rock Nine were a group of African American students who were the first to integrate Little Rock Central High School in 1957, during the Civil Rights Movement. The event gained national attention and was a pivotal moment in the fight for racial equality.
Arkansas random facts
Faulkner County, Arkansas, has a rich and diverse history that spans centuries. It was first inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Quapaw, Osage, and Caddo, who farmed the lands and hunted in the area. European settlers arrived in the late 18th century, with the eastern part of the county becoming a part of the Arkansas Territory in 1819.

The county was officially established in 1873 and named after Colonel Sanford C. Faulkner, a prominent figure in Arkansas history. Agriculture played a crucial role in the early days of the county, with cotton and corn being the main crops. Steamboats also plied the Arkansas River, transporting goods and people to and from the region.

The Civil War had a significant impact on Faulkner County, as it did with many areas in the South. The Battle of Reed's Bridge, fought in the county in 1863, was a part of the larger Little Rock Campaign. Confederate and Union forces clashed, with the Union emerging as the victors and eventually taking control of the state capital.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Faulkner County saw advancements in infrastructure and education. Railroads connected the county to the surrounding regions, allowing for easier transportation of goods and boosting economic growth. Educational institutions, such as Hendrix College and the University of Central Arkansas, were established, providing educational opportunities for residents and attracting newcomers to the area.

Today, Faulkner County is known for its vibrant community, natural beauty, and strong agricultural heritage. It continues to grow and evolve, with a diverse economy that includes agriculture, manufacturing, and education. The county's history is celebrated and preserved through various museums, historical sites, and events, ensuring that the legacy of Faulkner County remains alive and accessible to future generations.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Faulkner County, Arkansas.

  • 1873 - Faulkner County established as a county in the state of Arkansas.
  • 1874 - The city of Conway becomes the county seat.
  • 1888 - Conway Women's College, the first college for women in Arkansas, is established.
  • 1931 - The University of Central Arkansas is founded in Conway.
  • 1950s - Conway grows rapidly with the opening of new schools, businesses, and infrastructure.
  • 1969 - Hendrix College moves from Altus, Arkansas to Conway.
  • 1980s - Faulkner County experiences substantial population growth and development.
  • 1996 - Faulkner County Historical Society is established to preserve the county's history.
  • 2008 - The Mayflower Oil Spill affects Faulkner County, causing environmental damage.