Arkansans take pride in preserving our history. We have memorials, museums and even trails dedicated to the stories that influenced our state's development. Some places in Arkansas stay frozen in time as little historic capsules that we can explore and immerse ourselves into these different stories. Let's look at the historic villages preserving our state's roots.

1. Pioneer Village - Searcy

The Pioneer Village in Searcy is a preservation project of White County's history. Volunteers in 19th-century clothing will guide you around the grounds and tell stories of living in Arkansas during this time. Tour the village's buildings including the original Garner Depot and impressive collection of artifacts. They also host holiday events and craft fairs so be sure to plan your trip accordingly.

For directions and event details, visit their Facebook page right here.

2. Villines Homestead - Ponca

Although not an entire village, the Villines Homestead is a great stop if you're in the Ponca area. A short 1/2 mile trail from the Buffalo River low water bridge will take you to the property that had belonged to Jim "Beaver" Villines. The root cellar, outhouse, utility building and log cabin, all built between 1880 and 1940, have all been preserved.

For directions to the trail, visit this site right here.

3. Historic Washington State Park

One of the oldest towns in the state features a historic state park on the oldest road in Arkansas. Historic Washington has perfectly captured life in the area from from 1824 to 1900. The park has more than 30 restored structures that feature collections of guns, knives and antiques. Guides in period attire will conduct your tour and you can ride the surrey for a historic experience.

For directions and to see what all the park offers, visit their website right here.

4. Arkansas Post National Memorial - Gillett

Perhaps not a fully immersive village like some of the others we've visited today, the national memorial is definitely worth a stop. Before Little Rock became the capital of the Arkansas Territory, the title was designated to the Arkansas Post. Walk around the site of the original town and catch one of their historic weapons demonstrations.

To plan your trip, visit their website right here.

5. Davidsonville Historic State Park - Pocahontas

The majority of what's left of this town has been buried by time but archaeological excavations have uncovered streets, foundations and artifacts that give clues to the frontier life in this area. At the park, you can see the two story dog-trot ghost structure, cemeteries and the state's first postal stop.

For more information, visit their website right here.

6. Rush Historic District

It's not very often you get the chance to tour a ghost town but Rush has a loop trail that does just that. See the remnants of the zinc mining town as you hike pass the town's buildings, abandoned mines and mining equipment.

For directions to the trail, visit this website right here.

7. Mountain Village 1890 - Bull Shoals

This restored village will transport you to life in the Ozarks during the 19th-century. The site has nine main historic buildings including a community church, the 1903 Pyatt Depot, jailhouse, blacksmith, pioneer family houses and more. The village also has a locomotive engine that had been the yard engine for the Acme Brick Company in Perla.

To plan your trip, visit their website right here.

8. Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park

This state park has been nationally recognized as the most intact Civil War battlefield. Tour the Ozark Village as part of the park's living history program. You can also explore the Morrow and Latta houses, barn and Hindman Hall museum.

For more detail including reenactment times, visit their website right here.

9. Historic Dyess Colony

The colony was originally created in 1934 as part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal. This was one of the first colonies to ease the suffering of poor rural farming families devastated by the Great Depression. Several historic buildings can be toured at the colony, including the boyhood home of Johnny Cash.

For more details about the colony, visit their website right here.

What's been your favorite spot of preserved history in Arkansas? Reminisce with us in the comments below!

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