Old Washington

Confederate Capital

State: Arkansas County: Hempstead County Founded: 1824 Abandoned: Semi-ghost Peak Population: Confederate capital

Old Washington became Arkansas's Confederate capital when Union forces captured Little Rock in 1863. James Black, the legendary blacksmith who made Jim Bowie's knife, worked here. The town is preserved as a state park with 1800s buildings.

Plan Your Visit

Best Time: Year-round

Difficulty: Easy

Time Needed: 2-3 hours

Quick Facts

  • Confederate capital
  • Bowie knife creator
  • State park

Location

Address: Old Washington State Park, AR

Coordinates: 33.7667, -93.6833