Powhatan Courthouse and Jail

In 1888, the courthouse in Powhatan, Arkansas, was placed high atop a rocky ridge at the eastern edge of the Ozarks. It was situated thus so it would be overlooking the busy riverfront on the Black River. This Italianate style courthouse was built from bricks made on site. It was once the economic hub of activity in Lawrence County. In the 1800’s this busy river port on the Black River was the chief shipping point for a large territory.

Along with the 1888 courthouse, the park features the historic Powhatan Jail, the 1850 Ficklin-Imboden House, the 1887 telephone exchange Building and the 1890 Powhatan Male and female Academy, a unique two-room schoolhouse. All on the National register of Historic Places, these structures tell the story of this important 1800’s river port.