Historic Washington State Park
1874 Hempstead County Courthouse at Historic Washington State Park
Horse drawn carriages at Historic Washington State Park
Gymnasium at Historic Washington State Park
Brunson House is available for events
Take a surrey ride at Historic Washington State Park
Blacksmith at Historic Washington State Park
Educational groups at Historic Washington State Park
Historical reenactments at Historic Washington State Park
Music at Historic Washington State Park
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.
Plan Your Adventure
Jailhouse Bed & Breakfast
Stay in this historic jailhouse, remodeled with all modern amenities. Price includes continental breakfast.
Meeting Rooms
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 [email protected].
Auditorium Only: $190.00
Contact park for availability.
Open Pavilion
Small Open Pavilion
For reservations and more information, please contact the park at 870-983-2684 or [email protected].
Per Day: $49.00
Contact park for availability.
Outdoor Space
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: $8.00
Children 6-12 years of age: $4.00
Contact park for availability.
Meeting Rooms, Conference Rooms, Restrooms, Climate Controlled
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 [email protected].
Per Day: $300.00
Per 1/2 Day: $185.00
Contact park for availability.
Climate Controlled
Brunson House
Entire house and gardens per 8 hours: $600.00
Entire house and gardens per extra hour: $100.00
Deposit: $250.00
Great Room only per 8 hours: $300.00
Great Room per extra hour: $75.00
Great Room Deposit: $50.00
Front or Back Parlor only per 8 hours: $100.00
Front or Back Parlor only per extra hour: $50.00
Front or Back Parlor only deposit: $50.00
Contact park for availability.
103 Franklin Street
Washington, AR 71862
Call The Park
After Hours Number