Historical Markers in
Washington County, Arkansas

26th Indiana and 37th Illinois Infantry 29th Arkansas Infantry 936 Field Artillery Battalion Archibald Borden House Archibald Yell Battle of Prairie Grove Battlefield Park Blocher's Arkansas Battery Blunt's Attack Butterfield Stage Route Cumberland Presbyterian Church Elm Springs Elm Springs in the Civil War Evolution of Fayetteville Fayetteville Center Square Fayetteville's Earliest Methodist Church First Confederate Company Organized in Washington County Fitzgerald's Station General Shaver's Headquarters Generals James G. Blunt and Francis J. Herron Guisinger Building Headquarters House Herron's Attack Hindman Hall Museum Historic Wall James William Fulbright Lewis Brothers Building Lieutenant Colonel John C. Black Major General Thomas C. Hindman March of the Armies Morrow House Mrs. Young Block Purple Heart Memorial Reiff House Replica of the Statue of Liberty Revolutionary War Soldier Memorial Rhea's Mill Significant Dates in Fayetteville History The Battle of Cane Hill The Chosin Few The Dead of Prairie Grove The Lord's Vineyard The Razorbacks The State and Land-Grant University of Arkansas The Stone House Washington County Cane Hill College West Battlefield Overlook Will Rogers
In the early 20th century, Arkansas became a major producer of rice, thanks to the development of new varieties of rice that could thrive in the state's humid climate. Today, Arkansas is one of the largest producers of rice in the U.S.
Arkansas random facts
Washington County, Arkansas has a rich and diverse history that dates back to early Native American civilizations. Before European settlers arrived, this region was home to the Osage and Quapaw tribes who hunted, farmed, and settled along the banks of the White and Arkansas Rivers. In the 1700s, French explorers began to stake claims in the area, leading to a rivalry between the French and Spanish. Eventually, the United States acquired the area as part of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803.

The establishment of Washington County can be credited to the Fayetteville Settlement, which was founded in 1828 by European-American pioneers. The county was named after George Washington, the first President of the United States. Settlers quickly began to cultivate the fertile land, transforming the area into an agricultural hub. With the construction of the Butterfield Overland Mail route in the 1850s, Washington County became a major stop along the trail, further boosting its economy and population.

The Civil War had a significant impact on Washington County. As part of the divided border state of Arkansas, the county witnessed guerrilla warfare, confrontations between Union and Confederate forces, and the devastating Battle of Prairie Grove in 1862. Despite the destruction and loss of life during this time, Washington County gradually recovered and experienced post-war growth due to the rise of railroads and the expansion of educational institutions like the University of Arkansas.

In the 20th century, Washington County continued to develop and diversify its economy. The construction of the Beaver Dam and reservoir in the 1960s brought hydroelectric power and recreational opportunities to the area. The county also saw a shift from an exclusively agricultural economy to a more diverse one, with industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, and retail becoming prominent. Today, Washington County stands as a vibrant community, known for its picturesque landscapes, thriving arts scene, and the University of Arkansas, which has become a leading educational institution in the state.

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

  • 1828 - Washington County, Arkansas is established as one of the original counties of the Arkansas Territory.
  • 1836 - Fayetteville is chosen as the county seat.
  • 1861-1865 - Washington County is greatly affected by the American Civil War with numerous battles and military activity in the area.
  • 1897 - The University of Arkansas is established in Fayetteville.
  • 1950s - Washington County experiences significant growth and development due to an increase in industrialization and population.
  • 1970s - Northwest Arkansas becomes a hub for retail and transportation, leading to further economic growth in Washington County.
  • 2000s - Washington County becomes one of the fastest-growing counties in Arkansas, with a booming economy and population.