Historic Washington State Park

Washington, Arkansas, founded in 1824, became an important stop on the way west. Native Americans passed through on their way to Oklahoma; James Bowie, Sam Houston, and Davy Crockett passed through on their way to Texas. It was the Confederate capitol of Arkansas from 1863-1865 after the Union Army captured Little Rock. When the railroad was completed to Little Rock in 1873, Washington began a slow decline, losing population every year. Now fewer than 100 people live there. 

 In 1958 a preservation group began buying and restoring buildings and the Washington Historic Park  opened in 1973. Many of the buildings are part of the park but I don't know how many are actually opened to tour. The interiors of the buildings can be seen by guided tour only but the town can be toured on your own. Ask for a self-guided walking tour leaflet. Along the historic buildings listed in the leaflet there are also six large trees with historic significance. The 1874 courthouse is a visitor center and has exhibits on the history of the area. The visitor center, located in the 1824 courthouse, is free and the tours have a fee. The blacksmith's shop is always free but there may not be a working blacksmith every day. 

 

 

The visitor center has a ramp in the rear. The doorway into the safe is too narrow for wheelchair access. There's a high threshold between the hallway and entry vestibule. A step between rooms can be avoided by using a different route. An elevator provides access to the second floor.

 

 We were offered a tour featuring four buildings with ramps - the weapons museum, print museum, a merchant's house, and a farmstead. Since we weren't interested in the weapon or print museums we decided to do the self-guided tour instead. Wheelchair users may need assistance due to the terrain and gravel road surfaces. Sidewalks are either in poor condition or do not exist but there's little traffic so walking/rolling in the streets is fine. There is traffic on US 278 which must be crossed to see most of the town. Traffic does not stop for pedestrians so use caution when crossing.

 

 Accessible parking for the visitor center is in the rear. The lot is not large and has only one entrance/exit which may make it difficult for large vehicle. We parked in the loop road next door at the WPA gym. Another option is to park in the regular lot in front of the visitor center and walk/roll to the accessible entrance in the rear. Park  33.77354, -93.6842