Calling all history enthusiasts, this one’s for you. Perhaps you know that Arkansas has over 2,500 places listed on the National Register of Historic Places, right? This means that we have lots of historical sites that are worthy of exploring. From churches, to cemeteries, to battlefields, and more, they all have a significant role in the heritage of the state. But there is one small town that boasts 17 historical places, and its contributions to Arkansas are worth exploring.

Tucked away in the Ozark Mountains is the small unincorporated community of Cane Hill. And this township of approximately 200 residence was once a thriving agricultural community.

Historic Cane Hill/Facebook Established in 1827, this town is considered one of the oldest settled areas in Northwest Arkansas.

Along with being the oldest place where people settled, it was home of the first public library, public schools, and coeducational college in Arkansas.

Historic Cane Hill/Facebook In addition to its contribution to education, the town was a site for Civil War battles as well as the Trail of Tears. And all are part of the rich history of this township.

Today, many of the 17 historical sites and buildings in the town are managed by a non-profit group called the Historic Cane Hill, Inc. And most of the sites were added to the registry in 1982.

Historic Cane Hill/Facebook The organization oversees a series of four hiking trails that take visitors past most of the historical places in the town.

One of the most notable sites along the trail system is the Cane Hill College building. It was built in 1886 and evolved into the first co-ed school in Arkansas.

Historic Cane Hill/Facebook The building was fully renovated in 2017 and currently serves as a venue for weddings and other events.

Another historical site worth mentioning is the Pyeatte-Moore Mill. Because Cane Hill was known for having several mills, the town was once called Steam Mill back in the early 1900s.

Brandonrush, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons The only remaining structure of this mill is the wall along with the 36-foot steel wheel. Nature has reclaimed the rest.

Perhaps the most gorgeous building on the list is the John Edmiston House. This beautiful Queen Anne-style home was built in 1896.

Historic Cane Hill/Facebook And its stunning architecture reflects the once prosperity of the town. Currently, the house is undergoing renovation efforts and will be used as an event venue after completion.

Other notable sites include the cemetery, the Cane Hill Battlefield, the United Presbyterian Church of Cane Hill, just to name a few. Take a guided or self-guided tour to view all these incredible historical sites for yourself.

Historic Cane Hill/Facebook If you plan to visit Cane Hill, expect to learn about its rich history, you’ll see its architectural wonders, and you’ll experience the natural beauty of this small Ozark town.

So, have you ever been to Cane Hill? Tell us about your experience in the comments below. 

Historic Cane Hill/Facebook

Established in 1827, this town is considered one of the oldest settled areas in Northwest Arkansas.

In addition to its contribution to education, the town was a site for Civil War battles as well as the Trail of Tears. And all are part of the rich history of this township.

The organization oversees a series of four hiking trails that take visitors past most of the historical places in the town.

The building was fully renovated in 2017 and currently serves as a venue for weddings and other events.

Brandonrush, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

The only remaining structure of this mill is the wall along with the 36-foot steel wheel. Nature has reclaimed the rest.

And its stunning architecture reflects the once prosperity of the town. Currently, the house is undergoing renovation efforts and will be used as an event venue after completion.

If you plan to visit Cane Hill, expect to learn about its rich history, you’ll see its architectural wonders, and you’ll experience the natural beauty of this small Ozark town.

And don’t forget to visit the website or Facebook page of the Historic Cane Hill organization to learn more about the historical sites.

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Address: Historic Cane Hill, 14389 State Hwy 45, Canehill, AR 72717, USA