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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 estates,
the city is home to a number of unique
treasures. These treasures give visitors and
residents a glimpse into Van Buren’s past.
Frisco Depot
For more than 100 years, one of the
first sites that visitors to Van Buren set foot
on has been the downtown Frisco Depot.
Built in 1901, the location served as a major
railway station during the railroad’s prime.
Today, the depot operates as the Van Buren
Visitors Center and is home to the River
Valley Museum. Travelers can also board
vintage railcars at the station and take a
ride through the scenic Boston Mountains.
Drennen-Scott House Downtown Van Buren at night. Photo by Becky Correro.
The Drennen-Scott House sits high atop
the hill overlooking the Arkansas River. fountain located on the building grounds. Fairview Cemetery
The popular tourist attraction dates back Known as Hebe, the statue is that of the Row upon row of headstones mark
to 1836, when it was constructed by Van Greek goddess of youth and happiness. graves that date back nearly two centuries
Buren’s founder John Drennen. The house It was erected on the courthouse lawn in in Van Buren’s Fairview Cemetery. Listed
and surrounding property were passed down 1908 by the Women’s Village Improvement on the National Register of Historic
throughout the Drennen generations. In Society. After the original fell into disrepair, Places, Fairview is the oldest cemetery
2005, a family member transferred the home GFWC - Women’s League of Van Buren in the county and boasts monuments
to the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith restored and returned the statue to its from as early as 1816. The grounds and
(UAFS) for preservation and historical study. rightful place in 2003, where she continues cemetery artifacts are meticulously kept
In addition to beautiful grounds, the to stand today. in order to preserve Fairview’s history and
home is filled with incredible art and Albert Pike Schoolhouse give visitors an accurate representation
antiques. Highlights include a frieze that Adjacent to the courthouse sits the of how the area appeared to earlier
was in the Arkansas House at the World’s historic Albert Pike Schoolhouse. The one- generations. It houses a Confederate
Fair in Chicago in 1893, as well as a room school building was used by the famed section containing many graves of
grandfather clock dating back to the 1740s. local resident and military general, Albert Confederate soldiers. These soldiers
A Steinway piano that was manufactured in Pike. The structure has been preserved to died from wounds or diseases in the
1860 is also on display. The Drennen-Scott look as it did during Pike’s lifetime. It is Civil War at the Battles of Van Buren,
House has connections to the Trail of Tears, thought to have been built around 1820 Dripping Springs, Pea Ridge, and Prairie
the Underground Railroad, and the Civil and is one of the oldest standing buildings Grove. Fairview also houses the infamous
War, and it is listed on the National Register in Arkansas. The schoolhouse is a perfect “mystery grave”, which some believe may
of Historic Places. Operated by UAFS, the complement to the courthouse and its rich actually be a soldier from the Hernando
site includes a Visitors Center and is open legacy. de Soto expedition.
to the public for tours and special events. Since 1993
Crawford County Courthouse Water | Sewer
One of the city’s most recognizable STAY
structures is the historic Crawford County Gas | Grease
Courthouse. Constructed in 1842, it is
of the Mississippi River. Inside, visitors CLEAN LICENSED
the oldest operating court building west

can browse a gallery of photographs, LET US DO THE IN AR/OK
clippings, and artwork from the town’s past.
These showcase residents and sites from
throughout the years. DIRTY 479.646.5151
The building features many unique
touches, including the famous Seth Thomas
Clock Tower, along with an ornate statue and WORK westarkplumbing.com

16 Van Buren Chamber 2024 Directory vanburenchamber.org
479.646.5151

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