The history of Hempstead County can be read in its tangible places: a 1912 railroad depot houses local exhibits, Washington was once the capital of Arkansas, and a significant blackland prairie stretches north of Columbus. The county is also home to Klipsch’s musical history and annual festivals. Together, culture and nature offer different focal points for your discoveries.
History in Washington and Hope
Historic Washington State Park was an important stop on the Southwest Trail. From 1863 to 1865, Washington served as the Confederate capital of Arkansas. The park also contains the state’s largest collection of 19th-century buildings. Here, history is evident both in the town’s role during the Civil War and in the architecture of its historic buildings.
In Hope, the Hope Visitor Center and Museum is housed in a restored 1912 railroad depot. Its local exhibits focus on the life and legacy of President William Jefferson Clinton. The Clinton Birthplace Home is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and offers historical and interpretive information and exhibits. These two places provide different ways to connect with the history surrounding Clinton.
Klipsch and Hope’s Audio History
Klipsch speakers have been designed and manufactured in Hope, Arkansas, since 1946. The Klipsch Museum of Audio History is dedicated to Klipsch-related artifacts and archival materials; its mission also includes historical research and educational activities. The museum is open by appointment. Check appointment availability before your trip.
The Klipsch Museum Visitor Center is a separate attraction, where you can listen to several Klipsch speaker models. The Visitor Center is open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. As hours may change, it’s a good idea to check before your visit.
Prairie and Outdoor Activities
Rick Evans Grandview Prairie WMA is in Hempstead County, two miles north of Columbus. It encompasses the largest contiguous area of publicly owned blackland prairie in the United States. Recommended outdoor activities include hiking, wildflower walks, birdwatching and wildlife viewing; fishing is available at the area’s two lakes.
At the Rick Evans Grandview Prairie Nature Center, the archery range and trails are open for public use at all times. Another option is an eight-mile tractor-wagon ride through the prairie. The ride may depend on the program schedule, so check in advance to see whether it will be offered during your trip.
Festivals, Craft and Local Traditions
Held every August, the Hope Watermelon Festival celebrates Hempstead County’s history of growing particularly large watermelons. The program includes arts and crafts, food and entertainment, among other activities; there is also a 5K run. If you plan to attend the festival, check the dates for your travel year.
Held annually in Historic Washington, the James Black Bowie Heritage Festival spotlights handmade knives, live forging and the legacy of knifemaker James Black. For a closer look at blade making, hands-on courses are available at the University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana’s James Black School of Bladesmithing. Participants learn to forge, grind, heat-treat and finish their own blades. As course offerings may change, check the current schedule before making plans.
Discover more destinations: Hope, Jefferson County, Pulaski, Lonoke County, Mississippi County, Conway County, Polk County, Faulkner
For the broader travel overview: Arkansas.
