Powhatan Historic State Park
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What to know
The uniqueness of this park is in its preservation: all seven historic structures stand in their original 19th and 20th-century locations. Built on a hill to overlook and welcome Black River steamboat traffic, the 1888 courthouse contains exhibits interpreting commerce and culture of the Town of Powhatan and surrounding Lawrence county from its founding and early habitation in the 1830s through the early 20th century, and is free to the public. Guided tours by knowledgeable interpreters are available for the remaining historical structures, including the Log House, Male & Female Academy, Methodist Church, Stone Jail, and the last toll bridge in Arkansas. In partnership with the State Archives, Powhatan Historic State Park houses over 200 years of historical documents available to the public in the Northeast Arkansas Regional Archives. Popular among families, Powhatan Historic bridges the past to the present by giving visitors the opportunity to have a hands-on historical experience. Located on Hwy. 25, this park is worthy of a stop. Lake Charles and Davidsonville are within 15 miles, making it possible to visit three state parks in a day.
Hours
Courthouse Museum and Visitor Center
Wednesday-Saturday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Sunday 1 p.m.-5 p.m.
Closed Mondays and Tuesdays (except for Memorial Day, Labor Day and Fourth of July when required)
Closed New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Brochures/Maps
Plan Your Adventure
Group Facilities
1888 Courthouse
The flagship building of the state park, the Courthouse underwent an intensive conservation effort restoring it to its late-Victorian majesty. The Courtroom, with its 20ft ceilings and original furnishings, it is available for rent by the public for various events and group activities. For reservations and more information, please contact the park at 870-878-6765 or powhatan@arkansas.com
Rental Fee: $125
Methodist Church
Built in 1875, this building housed the Methodist and other Powhatan religious congregations until 2015. Today, it is available for rent by the public for various events and group activities. For reservations and more information, please contact the park at 870-878-6765 or powhatan@arkansas.com
Rental Fee: $125
Powhatan School
Built-in 1875, this building housed the Methodist and other Powhatan religious congregations until 2015. Today, it is available for rent by the public for various events and group activities. For reservations and more information, please contact the park at 870-878-6765 or powhatan@arkansas.com
Rental Fee: $125
Powhatan Make & Female Academy
Built in the last quarter of the 19th Century, the Male & Female Academy educated local children until the 1950s, and offers an open space that can be divided into 2 separate rooms. Today, it is available for rent by the public for various events and group activities. For reservations and more information, please contact the park at 870-878-6765 or powhatan@arkansas.com
Rental Fee: $125
Northeast Arkansas Regional Archives
Built to protect documents left by the closure of the Powhatan Courthouse in 1968, NEARA preserves and maintains historical documents from sixteen northeast Arkansas counties. Free to the public. For more information, contact the Archives at 870-878-6521 or northeast.archives@arkansas.gov
Rental Fee: $125