The History of Augusta

Come and Take a Walk with Us Through The History of Augusta.

Augusta's History walk is open  seven days a week and is a self guided tour. Guided tours are available on the First week of May from 11am-Noon and to groups and school groups upon request, throughout the year.

For a free Brochure, Email: cityman05@hotmail.com

Augusta Heritage Center

Long before the white man set foot in what is now Arkansas, the Chickasaw Indians built a settlement of teepees and log huts on a high bluff overlooking the White River. The site was used by the Indians as a river crossing and also marked an important trail between the tribes.

In 1820, a man named Hamilton came down the White River in a canoe and stopped at the site of the Indian village. Appreciating the idyllic location, he took  squatters rights, but about two years later sold his holding to Rollo Gray, who settled there with his family.

Other settlers followed, and in 1848, the town of Augusta - named for the niece of the founder, Thomas Hough - was established. Incorporation followed in 1861. Most of the families who settled in Augusta came from the eastern states and brought with them culture and breeding. Visitors remarked upon the beauty of the homes built in this wilderness settlement and often stayed to join in the building of the town.

Burial Site of the founders of Augusta

The town's situation at a natural river landing brought prosperity with the coming of steamboats to the White River. Boats from Memphis hauling a wide variety of goods landed weekly at Augusta year round, and boats from New Orleans made regular stops there, too.

Jess Norman Post 166 along the banks of the White River

Business flourished, the population grew, and in 1863, Augusta became the county seat of Woodruff County. Though the town was almost completely destroyed during the Civil War, the citizens rebuilt, and Augusta enjoyed it's greatest time of prosperity during the 1870's when its population grew to one thousand.

Augusta's Historic Memorial Park

Augusta's Historic Bridges

The Woodruff County Historical Society:

Woodruff County Cemetery Books, Current, and Old issues of Rivers and Roads are now on sale at the Woodruff County Monitor Office.

Please call (870) 731-2263 for more information.

Contacts:

Roger Smith/ President

Kip Davis/ Vice President, (870) 731-9106, cityman05@hotmail.com

Shirley Thompson/ Secretary

Paula Barnett/ editor, (870) 731-2263, wcm@centurytel.net

Gary Telford/ Historian/ Genealogist, wgt@centurytel.net

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Any questions or comments about this website may be directed to the webmaster at cityman05@hotmail.com . This website copyrighted by The City of Augusta, AR.