Washington, Ark. was founded in 1824 on the Southwest Trail just 15 miles from the Red River, which then separated American lands from the Mexican territory known as Texas. Because of its border proximity, Washington played a role in Texas' 1835-36 war for independence. Evidence suggests that Sam Houston and others discussed plans for the revolt while Houston resided in one of the town's taverns in 1834. The town also served as Arkansas's Confederate capital after Union forces captured Little Rock in 1863. Old Washington Historic State Park preserves and showcases the town's architecture, history and pioneer culture. Park visitors can get a sense of 19th-century life in Arkansas by visiting such attractions as the 1836 courthouse that served as the Confederate capitol; the Edwards Weapons Museum, where more than 1,500 items include numerous pioneer-era rifles and pistols; a print museum featuring 19th-century printing equipment; a re-creation of a period blacksmith shop; and the Pioneer Cemetery. Authentically and splendidly furnished historic houses dating from the mid-1830s to the 1850s provide a glimpse of domestic life and contain many items—furniture and ceramics in particular—that are 19th-century treasures. Nine miles northwest of Hope via U.S. 278.
