Located on the Southwest Trail that connected St. Louis to Texas, the town of Washington was established in 1824 in the southwest corner of Arkansas. Named after the first president of the United States, Washington is an example of a true American town with the city streets bearing the names of famous countrymen. American icons such as James Bowie, Sam Houston, and Davy Crockett all passed through this unique community. One of its citizens, a local blacksmith, made a knife for Bowie, which became infamously known as the Bowie Knife. During the last two years of the Civil War, Washington became the capital of the Confederate government of Arkansas. In later years, it was bypassed by the railroad, and the town faced decline. In the 20th century, concerned citizens pushed for its restoration, and today Washington consists of a state park that continues to tell the story of this unique community to future generations.
