Take a walk through history at Powhatan State Park
Well, we near our excursion’s end in the northeastern section of the state. In fact, this is the final destination, before we strike out in a different direction to yet another region of Arkansas.
That being said, it is important to explain that the order in which I have chosen to run these articles was not dictated by how much I enjoyed each lo- cation. Instead, I simply tried to choose the most efficient route, avoiding as much backtracking as possible.
In fact, the destination I’ll be covering today is one of my favorites. And what might I find unique about the Powhatan State Park? Well, it’s far easier for me to stretch my imagination to another era of time while standing in the midst of six historic buildings that have weathered the test of time and are still standing on the premises.
I am eager to share information about each building that is still standing. But first, let’s set the scene. Powhatan is no different from several of the other historic towns throughout the Delta, in the sense that it was a product of river travel.
In fact, there was a time when Powhatan was considered the economic hub of Lawrence county. Nestled on the banks of the Black River, it took advantage of river traffic. But a ferry also crossed the waterway and into its backyard, and the Military Road meandered nearby in the 1830s. It was all about location, and the local economy was flourishing.
But with time came change, and with this change came profound results. The Civil War resulted in a shutdown of river commerce, and nearby skirmishes lent to unrest for the residents.
However, it slowly recovered following the war, and the county government was eventually relocated from Clover Bend to Powhatan. The new courthouse was completed in 1873.
However, the structure was fairly short-lived, as it burned in 1885. Fortunately, a fireproof vault had been installed in the structure, and county records dating back to 1813 were saved.
A second courthouse was built during the late 1800s. A portion of the two-story structure was constructed of bricks that had been salvaged from the original building.
Powhatan’s well-being was dependent upon river travel. And with the arrival of the rails came the end of life as they had known it.
And as it turned out Powhatan experienced a noticeable lull in the 1880s, when the Kansas City-memphis Railway chose to bypass town. In fact, its growth, or lack thereof, was so noticeable that the Lawrence County judiciary opted to split in the late 1800s, holding court in both Powhatan and Walnut Ridge. And after Highway 63 was rerouted around Powhatan in the 1950s, all county government was eventually moved to Walnut Ridge.
So what to do with the abandoned courthouse? Well, Arkansas Gov. Winthrop Rockefeller sent a team of experts to evaluate the structure’s potential. The committee was formed shortly thereafter, to raise restoration funds for the courthouse.
The structure was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970. Restoration efforts began in ‘71 and the project was deemed complete in 1973.
The Powhatan Courthouse became a state park during the following year, and the agency has continued “restoration and interpretation of the site,” including an exhibit installation in 2005.
Of course, those who visit the facility will have the opportunity to tour a section of the courthouse. In fact, one of the rooms serves as the visitor center. But what else awaits the visitors?
Well, let’s begin with the nearby jail. This small structure stands alone and was actually erected prior to the construction of the courthouse, in 1873. Built of native limestone, it eventually fell prey to the elements of time and became a security risk. In turn, it eventually was abandoned as a jail.
However, the building continued to serve in various capacities. The small structure has since been utilized as a movie theater and a canning kitchen. The building also served a stint as a honey processing plant and was used as a repair garage.
The building was included on the National Register of His
toric Places in 1976, and the jail was restored by the Arkansas State Parks in 1990.
OK, let’s embark upon a short trek up the hill and across the road to the Powhatan Male and Female Academy. The tworoom schoolhouse was built in 1889 and has hosted its fair share of students throughout the years.
In fact, it is still serving students today, as they and their teachers are welcomed to experience “A School Day of 1900” in the restored classroom.
Now let’s embark upon a short walk to the opposing side of the courthouse and down the hill and in the direction of the nearby Black River. The Ficklin-imboden House is the epitome of the architecture of yesteryear. In fact, it provides visitors with an example of how houses would have been designed during the town’s infancy. The log cabin is furnished from the same time period.
Situated within a stone’s throw of the Ficklin-emboden House, the 1887 Victorian panel brick commercial build is situated “in the former center of commerce of this once thriving riverport,” according to information posted by Arkansas State Parks.
This building, too, had served in various capacities throughout the years. It previously provided much of the county with a telephone system, and once served as a drugstore.
There was a time when it was a wagon factory and was previously the office for the local attorney. The general store once hung their shingle on the structure as did the United States Post office. It was also previously used as a residence and is the only remaining commercial building of the original townsite.
The banks of the Black River are situated within sight of the commercial building. In fact, I would suspect the two large concrete pillars towering alongside the water’s edge are the remnants of the ferry that once transported vehicles to and fro, across the waterway.
Although I am most often drawn toward destinations where outdoor opportunities abound, there are times when I am totally content with a leisurely walk along a path meandering through a property with a rich history.
Well, it just so happens that Powhatan is one of such places. And I anticipate my next visit to northeast Arkansas, as I plan to embark upon another jaunt along the route leading through the remnants of this once-thriving town.
To get to Powhatan from Hot Springs, take Highway 70 east to Interstate 30 and travel east, toward Little Rock. Take Exit 143B to merge onto I-40. Take Exit 155 (on the left) to merge onto U.S. 67/167 north.
Travel 88 miles and take Exit 87 onto County Road 43. Go three-tenths of a mile and turn left to remain on County Road 43. Travel 3.7 miles and take a left onto County Road 208. Go 900 feet and turn right onto Arkansas 37.
Travel 13 miles and take a right onto Cord Road. Remain on Cord road for about 10 miles and turn right onto Arkansas 361. Travel 8.2 miles and take a right onto Arkansas 25. Go 11 miles and the destination will be on the right.