Arkansas adds 11 properties to National Register of Historic Places

by Talk Business & Politics staff ([email protected]) 631 views 

The 1912 Steele-Dortch general store building in Scott, Arkansas.

Eleven properties have been added to the National Register of Historic Places, according to the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program (AHPP).

The Arkansas properties recently listed by the National Park Service are located across the state and reflect many different aspects of the state’s history.

“It’s always an honor when we have properties added to the National Register of Historic Places,” said Ralph Wilcox, national register and survey coordinator and deputy state historic preservation officer for the AHPP. “Arkansas has a rich history in its built environment, and it’s wonderful to have that richness recognized outside of Arkansas as well.”

The Arkansas properties added to the National Register of Historic Places include:

  • The L’Eau Frais Creek Bridge in the Malvern vicinity, Hot Spring County, is an early cast-concrete bridge that was built circa 1916 and was an important link in the transportation network of southern Hot Spring County.
  • The Old U.S. 71 Ouachita River Bridges at Acorn in Polk County were built in 1929 by Richardson Ayres of Hope and provided a modern and upgraded crossing of the Ouachita River on U.S. 71 until they were bypassed in 1965.
  • The West 12th Street Overpass and West 14th Street Overpass in Little Rock, Pulaski County, which were built in 1936 with assistance from the Bureau of Public Roads. They were built as part of a statewide effort to provide updated and safe railroad grade crossing separations in order to help eliminate accidents between cars and trains at grade crossings.
  • The Brush Creek Bridge in Marshall, Searcy County, was built circa 1959 and is significant for its use of aluminum in its construction. The Brush Creek Bridge is one of only a few aluminum bridges to have been built in Arkansas and one of only two aluminum bridges that survives today.
  • The Domino Shed (circa 1972) and Uncle Willie Huffines Park (circa 1968-1972), both at Big Flat, Baxter County, were constructed by the Green Thumb program. The Green Thumb program worked to help low-income senior citizens by giving them financial aid along with practical skills, and the program helped to beautify the state through conservation projects.
  • The Bentonville Post Office in Benton County, which was built in 1935-1936, represents a significant local example of the Mediterranean Revival style of architecture.
  • The Jane Ross House in Arkadelphia, Clark County, was the home of local philanthropist Jane Ross. Between 1955 and 1979, Jane Ross headed the Ross Foundation, which has contributed significantly to the economic welfare of the residents of Clark County.
  • The Steele-Dortch General Store in Scott, Pulaski County, which was built in 1912, was a significant commercial establishment in Scott until it closed in the 1960s. The building is also important for its elaborate Craftsman-style detailing, something that was unusual in such a small town.
  • The James W. and Billie Tanner House in Little Rock, Pulaski County, was built in 1972-1974 and is a significant example of architect Fay Jones’ work in Little Rock. The Tanner House illustrates Jones’ architectural principles, which included focusing on the beauty of native natural materials and the harmony of a building with its natural environment.

“The state’s recent National Register listings illustrate Arkansas’ history from the 1910s up into the 1970s,” said Wilcox. “The listings include bridges, commercial buildings, recreation structures, and houses, including one house designed by noted Arkansas architect Fay Jones.”

The AHPP is an agency of Arkansas Heritage responsible for identifying, evaluating, registering, and preserving the state’s cultural resources.