Exploring Arkansas' Rich Black History: 24 sites to see in 2024
Arkansas, known for its picturesque landscapes and southern charm, also holds a treasure trove of Black History. As we step into 2024, consider embarking on a journey through this state's rich and diverse past. These 24 Black History Sites highlight Arkansas destinations that offer a unique glimpse into the African American heritage that has shaped the Natural State and beyond.
1. Mosaic Templars Cultural Center
501 W 9th St, Little Rock • Tues. - Sat. 9 AM – 5 PM
Start your journey at the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center in Little Rock, a museum dedicated to preserving and celebrating the history of African Americans in Arkansas. Explore exhibits that showcase the resilience and achievements of Black Arkansans, from entrepreneurship to the arts and civil rights. In 2024, the museum offers a new and engaging permanent exhibit that delves deeper into the state's Black history.
2. Central High School National Historic Site
2120 W Daisy L Gatson Bates Dr, Little Rock • Tues. - Sat. 10 AM – 4 PM
Step back in time to a pivotal moment in American history at the Central High School National Historic Site. This school played a central role in the desegregation of public schools in the United States. Take a guided tour to learn about the Little Rock Nine, a group of courageous African American students who broke down racial barriers by attending the previously all-white Central High School in the late 1950s.
3. Daisy Bates House
1207 W 28th St, Little Rock • call (501) 375-1957 to schedule tours
The Daisy Bates House is the former residence of civil rights activist Daisy Bates and a National Historic Landmark. As a mentor to the Little Rock Nine, Bates played a significant role in their journey to desegregate Central High School. Her house offers insight into her life and the challenges she faced while advocating for equality.
4. Delta Cultural Center
141 Cherry St, Helena • Tues. - Sat. 9 AM – 5 PM
Venture into the heart of the Arkansas Delta region to explore the Delta Cultural Center in Helena-West Helena. This center pays tribute to the cultural heritage of the Delta, including the contributions of Black Arkansans. The "Roots and Rhythm" exhibit is a must-see, offering a musical journey through the Delta's history, including its rich blues and gospel traditions.
5. Taylor Log House and Site
184 Plantation Ln, Tillar • Hours Vary
The Taylor Log House is a historic home built in 1846, which served as the central home of the Hollywood Plantation. The site is now used by the University of Arkansas at Monticello for archeological research, and now has a dedicated space for sharing the stories of Black Americans who lived on and around the property.
6. Haven of Rest Cemetery
7102 W 12th St, Little Rock • Mon. - Fri. 10 AM – 4 PM
This historic cemetery is the final resting place of many notable leaders in the Black community, such as Lena Jordan and Daisy Bates, among others.
7. Hot Springs National Park
Hot Springs National Park, known for its therapeutic hot springs, has a hidden gem of Black history. The park's Bathhouse Row features the Ozark Bathhouse, which once served as the only bathhouse for African Americans during the era of segregation. While visiting the park's natural wonders, take a moment to reflect on the resilience of those who sought healing here.
8. Lakeport Plantation
601 AR-142, Lake Village • Mon., Tues., Fri., 9 AM – 3:30 PM
Lakeport Plantation preserves the history of plantation life and shares stories of enslaved people at the Lakeport Plantation in Lake Village. This restored antebellum plantation house provides a glimpse into the past and offers tours that shed light on the experiences of those who lived and worked on the plantation.
9. Mount Olive-Bedford Chapel Cemetery
Manning Rd, Mt Vernon • Open during daylight hours
The Mount Olive-Bedford Chapel cemetery is a historic cemetery and is also the remnants of a postbellum African American farming community called “The Colony.” This community thrived through the 1930s, and included a local school, church, and the cemetery, which is the last remaining structure.
10. William J. Clinton Presidential Library
1200 Pres. Clinton Ave, Little Rock • Mon. - Sat. 9 AM – 5 PM, Sun. 1 – 5 PM
Explore the William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum in Little Rock, where exhibits chronicle not only the presidency of Bill Clinton but also the broader context of American history, including the impact of civil rights movements on the nation.
11. African American Cultural Center
1005 Logan Ave, Jonesboro • (870) 897-4389 for tours
Schedule a trip to the African American Cultural Center in Jonesboro, where exhibitions, programs, and events celebrate the artistic, historical, and cultural contributions of African Americans in Arkansas.
12. Ozark Foothills African American History Museum
176 Solomon Grove Rd, Twin Groves • Mon., Wed., Fri. 9 AM – 6 PM
Located in Northwestern Faulkner County, the Ozark Foothills African American History museum’s mission is to “recover, research, collect, preserve, interpret, teach and promote knowledge and appreciation of the African people, with emphasis on African Americans.”
13. First Missionary Baptist Church
701 S Gaines St, Little Rock, AR 72201 • (501) 904-5700 for services or tours
The First Missionary Baptist Church is home to one of the oldest African American churches in Arkansas. The congregation was organized in 1845, and the current building was constructed in 1882. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. gave the 118th anniversary sermon at this location in 1963, just four months before his famous “I have a dream” speech.
14. Eddie Mae Herron Center/Museum
1708 Archer St, Pocahontas • Open daily, 10 AM – 3 PM
Miss Eddie Mae Herron was a beloved teacher who taught African American children in Pocahontas between 1948 and 1965. The former schoolhouse has been restored and named in her honor and continues its mission to protect and preserve Black History to this day.
15. Scott Plantation Settlement
15525 Alexander Rd, Scott • Fri. & Sat., 10 AM – 3 PM
The Scott Plantation Settlement in Scott offers a glimpse into the lives of African American sharecroppers in the early 20th century. Explore historic buildings and artifacts that illustrate the challenges and resilience of this community.
16. Central Delta Depot Museum
100 W Cypress St, Brinkley • Tues. - Sat., 10 AM – 3 PM
Visit the Central Delta Depot Museum in Brinkley, an excellent resource for understanding the Delta's history, including the contributions of Black residents in the region.
17. Delta Heritage Trail State Park
5539 US 49, West Helena • Open daily, 8 AM – 5 PM
Embark on a journey along the Delta Heritage Trail State Park, which spans multiple towns and features exhibits highlighting the history of the Delta, including the experiences of African Americans in the region.
18. Arkansas Post National Memorial
1741 Old Post Rd, Gillett • Thurs. - Mon., 8 AM – 5 PM
The Arkansas Post National Memorial in Gillett commemorates the state's first European settlement. It includes exhibits that explore the diverse cultural and historical aspects of the region, including the contributions of African Americans.
19. John H. Johnson Museum & Educational Center
Courthouse Square, Arkansas City • (870) 877-2426 for tour information
Explore the boyhood home of John H. Johnson in Arkansas City, founder of Ebony and Jet magazines. Learn about his remarkable journey and his impact on African American media.
20. Dreamland Ballroom / Taborian Hall
800 W 9th St, Little Rock • (501) 255-5700 for tour information
Taborian Hall was constructed in 1918 and served as the headquarters for The Knights and Daughters of Tabor, a Black fraternal organization. It also housed the Dreamland Ballroom, which showcased African American entertainment including names such as Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington, and many more.
21. Southern Tenant Farmers Museum
117 N Main St, Tyronza • Mon. - Sat. 9 AM – 3 PM
Visit the original, unofficial headquarters of the Southern Tenant Farmers Union, where you will learn about the history of the farm labor movement, tenant farming and sharecropping and how this movement shaped modern agriculture in the U.S.
22. Hattie Caraway Historical Marker
intersection of W. Washington Ave & S. Main St, Jonesboro
Pay your respects at the Hattie Caraway Historical Marker Pay your respects at the Hattie Caraway Historical Marker in Jonesboro, which honors Hattie Caraway, the first woman elected to the U.S. Senate and an advocate for civil rights.
23. Freedom Park
700 Biscoe St., Helena-West Helena • Open daily, 8 AM – 5 PM
Take a self-guided tour along the African American Heri Take a self-guided tour along the African American Heritage Trail in Helena-West Helena, which features markers and exhibits highlighting significant sites and individuals in African American history.
24. United States Marshals Museum
789 Riverfront Dr, Fort Smith • Open daily, 9 AM – 5 PM
Explore The history of the United States Marshals, including the legendary Bass Reeves, who was the first African American deputy U.S. Marshal west of the Mississippi River and was known to be a superior marksman and detective.
These 24 Black History sites to see in 2024 represent a diverse range of destinations that provide a deeper understanding of Arkansas’ African American heritage and its integral role in shaping the history of the Natural State. However, this list is not exhaustive. There are many more sites in the state available for you to explore and to enrich your understanding of Black History in Arkansas.
As you explore these significant sites, remember that Arkansas' history is not only about struggle but also about resilience, achievement, and progress. These destinations offer a meaningful opportunity to connect with the past, appreciate the present, and inspire a more inclusive future for all.