The Five Oldest Buildings in Northwest Arkansas

Around 2012, I lived in a house at the corner of Center St. and Hill Ave. in Fayetteville.

The roof leaked in multiple places, the paper-thin sheetrock walls had endured more than a few punches, and we had a contentious relationship with the landlord for routinely getting on the roof against his explicit instructions not to—probably why it leaked.

It was a dream living situation for a group of college guys trying to live within walking distance of campus while paying under $200/mo in rent. We affectionately called it “the dojo.”

It's funny how we get attached to old houses. They bring back memories, and as long as they stand, future generations can get a small glimpse into the lives of those who lived there before them.

They tore the dojo down several years ago to build a giant student housing apartment. I guess memories of my legendary sophomore escapades in that house will fade with me.

However, I recently learned that just up the hill from my old college abode sits an even older house. It's actually the oldest house in Fayetteville and holds way cooler stories than a house full of college dudes. And thanks to the efforts of historical societies, it is much less likely to be torn down for the ever-expanding student housing projects in Fayetteville.

I’ve been reading up on the story of that house and have some really interesting stuff to share soon, but in the meantime, it got me thinking:

What are the oldest buildings in Northwest Arkansas?

So, I looked it up, and this is what I found.

Here are the five oldest known buildings in Northwest Arkansas (ok… I added a sixth on a technicality).

Enjoy.

Elkhorn Tavern, Pea Ridge - 1833

The Elkhorn Tavern, originally built in 1833 by William Reddick and Samuel Burks, became a community hub under Jesse and Polly Cox, who purchased it in 1858. The Cox family added distinctive features, including a set of elk horns on the roof that gave the tavern its name. Before the Civil War, it served as a post office, inn, trading post, and meeting place for the Benton County Baptist Society.

During the Civil War Battle of Pea Ridge in March 1862, the tavern became a field hospital and briefly housed Confederate General Van Dorn's headquarters. The Cox family sheltered in the cellar as cannonballs struck the building.

The building survived the battle and was used as a Union headquarters and military telegraph station until it was burned around January 1863 by Confederates.

The tavern was rebuilt on its original foundation after the war and later became a museum. Transferred to the National Park Service in 1960, it now stands as a key landmark in the Pea Ridge National Military Park, restored to its wartime appearance.

Tom Smith House, Elkins – 1834

The Tom Smith House, located just east of Elkins on Arkansas Hwy 74, is a rare example of late Georgian architecture in Northwest Arkansas. Built around 1834 by Thomas Smith, one of the area’s earliest white settlers, this single-story brick home features locally made bricks laid four courses deep and capped with an S-shaped molded cornice—a highly uncommon feature for the time.

Sarah Bird Northrup Ridge House, Fayetteville – 1836

The Sarah Bird Northrup Ridge House, built in 1836, is the oldest surviving home in Fayetteville and holds a deep connection to both local and Cherokee history. Originally constructed as a wedding gift for Dr. M.H. Clark and his bride, the house featured a traditional "dog-trot" design with two single rooms separated by a breezeway under a shared roof. Over time, it was remodeled into a two-story "salt box" style, with the breezeway converted into a central hallway.

Around 1840, Sarah Bird Northrup Ridge purchased the house after seeking refuge in Fayetteville following the assassination of her husband, Cherokee leader John Ridge, who was killed for his role in the Treaty of New Echota, which contributed to the tragic Trail of Tears. Today, the Ridge House at 230 West Center is preserved by the Washington County Historical Society.

Simon Sager Cabin, Siloam Springs – 1837-45

The Simon Sager Cabin, built somewhere between 1837 and 1845, is the oldest standing structure in Siloam Springs. Simon Sager, a skilled cabinetmaker and builder who immigrated to the region from Germany, built the cabin of hand-hewn logs, reflecting the ingenuity and resourcefulness of early settlers.

Originally part of Sager’s plantation in the Hico settlement (now Siloam Springs), the cabin served as both a family home and a gathering place for the growing community. It’s believed the first Methodist church meetings in the area were held within its walls. Today, the cabin is preserved on the campus of John Brown University and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Sager was also a skilled furniture craftsman, and some of his pieces are on display in the Siloam Springs Museum, the Rogers Historical Museum, and the Shiloh Museum of Ozark History.

Read more about the Sager family in Vintage Bentonville.

Walker-Stone House, Fayetteville – 1845

The Walker-Stone House, built in 1845, is one of Fayetteville’s most iconic historical structures. Constructed by Judge David Walker, a prominent Arkansas politician and early settler, the house is a beautiful example of antebellum architecture. It later became known as the Stone House when it was purchased by Stephen K. Stone in 1850.

This two-story brick building features a Victorian-style porch that was added in later years, giving it a distinct charm. During the Civil War, the house survived significant damage, including being struck by a cannonball. Despite these hardships, it remains one of the few pre-war structures still standing in Fayetteville.

The house now serves as the home of the Folk School of Fayetteville.

Methodist Manse, Cane Hill – 1834 1859

The Methodist Manse in Cane Hill first served as a residence for Methodist ministers and stands as an important piece of Cane Hill’s history, a town once at the forefront of education and religion in Northwest Arkansas.

During the Civil War, the manse played a significant role as Union General James Blunt’s headquarters following the Battle of Cane Hill. Though partially burned by Confederate forces during the war, the structure endured and was later restored.

Originally believed to have been built in 1834, it was recently determined to have been constructed in 1859 through updated records and research.

Today, it serves as the headquarters for Historic Cane Hill, Inc.

If These Walls Could Talk

These old buildings serve as a portal to our region’s storied past. Thanks to the efforts of historical societies that have preserved them, we can get a glimpse into what life was like in Northwest Arkansas during some of our country’s most tense and transformative years.

But more important than the bricks and mortar are the people who lived within these building’s walls. In fact, while researching these buildings, I came across a story of one of the families who dwelt in one of the homes listed above that completely fascinated me, and I totally went down the rabbit hole…

It’s a story of forbidden love, racial tension, betrayal, murder, and revenge.

Intrigued?

Be sure to read next week’s edition of NWA Yesterday 😜 

I send a weekly(ish) newsletter about fun local history highlights that I come across in Northwest Arkansas and the Ozarks region. If you like learning cool facts about where we live, check it out!