Captain Abraham Block (1787-1857) stands as a significant figure in the early history of our state. Born in Bohemia, he emigrated to America and, in 1823, became one of the pioneering settlers in the upper Red River region of Arkansas.

His move to Arkansas followed his marriage in Virginia. He established himself in the village of Washington, where he became a well-respected member of the community. Beyond his local standing, Captain Block was also known within the commercial circles of New Orleans and among the agricultural community of the Red River and southern Arkansas.

Block's journey to Arkansas was part of a larger family migration. The Block family, originally from Svihov, Bohemia (their surname was Bloch), was among the early Jewish families that emigrated from that region to America around the turn of the eighteenth century. They were a large family and became one of the early Jewish families settling west of the Mississippi River.

While other family members established themselves in places like Richmond, St. Louis, and Missouri, Captain Abraham Block focused his efforts on the development of early Arkansas. His presence in the upper Red River country and his life in Washington illustrate the experiences of those who contributed to the state's early growth.

Today, Captain Abraham Block's house in our state park serves as a reminder of his life and the era in which he lived. Touring his home offers connections to the past and provides insight into the lives of the individuals who helped shape our state. His story is one of early settlement and community involvement in Arkansas. Source: https://www.jewishgen.org/austriaczech/early_immig.html