Page 28 - 2026 VB Community Profile

QUALITY OF PLACE

puzzle. New programs are available
throughout the year. The library’s
monthly calendars will help you keep
track of upcoming events.
The large community room is
available for non-profit organizations to
reserve for use and other business, or
educational organizations are welcome
to use it for training purposes. Other
smaller meeting spaces are available for
study sessions or small group gatherings.
For more information about the Van
Buren Public Library, check the Facebook
page or https://www.crawfordcountylib.
org/
History
Van Buren residents take great pride
in celebrating the town’s rich history.
From preserving century-old buildings
to operating one-of-a-kind historic The Historic Drennen-Scott House in Van Buren.
estates, the city is home to a number of Photo courtesy Van Buren A & P Commission
unique treasures. These treasures give Drennen-Scott House that was in the Arkansas House at the
visitors and residents a glimpse into Van The Drennen-Scott House sits high World’s Fair in Chicago in 1893, as well
Buren’s past. atop the hill overlooking the Arkansas as a grandfather clock dating back
Frisco Depot River. The popular tourist attraction dates to the 1740s. A Steinway piano that
For more than 100 years, one of back to 1836, when it was constructed by was manufactured in 1860 is also on
the first sites that visitors to Van Buren Van Buren’s founder John Drennen. The display. The Drennen-Scott House has
set foot on has been the downtown house and surrounding property were connections to the Trail of Tears, the
Frisco Depot. Built in 1901, the location passed down throughout the Drennen Underground Railroad, and the Civil War,
served as a major railway station during generations. In 2005, a family member and it is listed on the National Register of
the railroad’s prime. Today, the depot transferred the home to the University Historic Places. Operated by UAFS, the
operates as the Van Buren Visitors Center of Arkansas - Fort Smith (UAFS) for site includes a Visitors Center and is open
and is home to the River Valley Museum. preservation and historical study. to the public for tours and special events.
Travelers can also board vintage railcars In addition to beautiful grounds, the Crawford County Courthouse
at the station and take a ride through the home is filled with incredible art and One of the city’s most recognizable
scenic Boston Mountains. antiques. Highlights include a frieze structures is the historic Crawford County

28 Van Buren Chamber 2026 Community Profile vanburenchamber.org