Historic Washington State Park
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What to know
An important stop on the Southwest Trail, James Bowie, Sam Houston, and Davy Crockett famously traveled through here. James Black, a local blacksmith, actually forged the legendary Bowie knife. From 1863-1865, it served as the Confederate capital of Arkansas. The 1874 Courthouse serves as the park visitor center. Start there, and continue to the Blacksmith Shop, Weapons Museum, Print Museum, and other historic locations that make up the largest collection of 19th-century buildings in the state. Williams Tavern Restaurant serves home cooking Tuesday - Sunday from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Hours
* Interpretive programs available year-round.
Visitor Center:
Open daily 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Closed New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Administrative Office:
Open Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Williams Tavern Restaurant:
Tues. - Sun. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. (closed Mondays)
870-983-2890
NOTE: With advance notice, restaurant hours
will be extended for special event weekends
and for special group activities
Paid Interpretive Guided Tours
Daily from 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Check the event calendar for tours and activities.
Brochures/Maps
Events
Plan Your Adventure
Lodges
Group Facilities
Jailhouse Bed & Breakfast
Want to stay in a unique historic place? Historic Washington State Park has the perfect place. The Jailhouse Bed and Breakfast is a jailhouse that has been renovated with all the modern amenities. Check availability and reserve your room.
The original jail was completed in 1873. It was a brick, one-story building with four jail cells. It housed criminals for offenses such as burglary, forgery, assault, assault with intent to kill, maiming, and seduction.
A new two-story jail was completed in 1918 with six jail cells, and replaced the old jail and is the one used today as a bed and breakfast. Each of the eight rooms has a private bathroom, WiFi, and satellite TV. A continental breakfast is served.
1914 School House
Built in 1914, this building served as the second public school building for the town of Washington. Today, it is available for rent by the public for various events and group activities. Bunk rooms are available for overnight lodging. For reservations and more information, please contact the park at 870-983-2684 or historicwashington@arkansas.com.
Meeting Room - Full Day (12 Capacity):
$135
Auditorium - Full Day (100 Capacity:
$190
Small Open Pavilion
For reservations and more information, please contact the park at 870-983-2684 or historicwashington@arkansas.com.
Per Day: $49
Surrey Rides
Rides are offered Tuesday through Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to noon and again from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Tours take around 25 minutes and availability depends on weather and road conditions so call ahead to confirm.
Adults:
$8
Children 6-12 years of age:
$4
Outdoor Areas (Grounds &/or porches)
Daily Rate: $135
W. P. A. Gymnasium with kitchen facilities
After the county seat was moved from Washington to Hope, the Washington Public School moved into the 1874 Hempstead County Courthouse. With assistance from the Works Progress Administration, a gym was erected in 1940 to serve the school. Today, this building is available for rent for public functions and group activities including family gatherings. For reservations and more information, please contact the park at 870-983-2684 or historicwashington@arkansas.com.
Maximum Capacity: 200 people
Per Day:
$300
Per 1/2 Day:
$185
Brunson House
Entire House & Gardens - Per Day:
$600
Great Room Only - Per Day:
$300
Front Parlor or Back Parlor - Per Day:
$100