Fayetteville History

Documenting the funky past of Fayetteville, Arkansas

The Osage and the Quapaw nations traveled the region now known as Northwest Arkansas for generations, including the land upon which Fayetteville was eventually founded. During a brief period, early Cherokee migrants lived in the region as well.

Approaching a Bicentennial

Fayetteville, founded in 1828, will celebrate its first 200 years during the course of 2028. Join in by learning more about the city’s past and thinking about ways to improve upon the city we have today.

Today in History -March 19

March 19, 2026

1827 John Rollin Ridge was born on this day in the Cherokee nation in what is now Georgia. Ridge was part of the family that came to Fayetteville after civil strife between Cherokees led to the killing of his father and grandfather. Educated in Fayetteville and the Northeast, Ridge is generally regarded as the first … More Today in History -March 19

Black and white map of the Fayetteville square with some buildings in colors such as light red, light blue and a warm yellow

Sanborn Map, 1886

March 5, 2026

The Sanborn Map Company began making insurance maps of Fayetteville in 1886, but their notations offer lots of information about the buildings and businesses from Fayetteville’s past. … More Sanborn Map, 1886

Lou Holtz

March 4, 2026

Lou Holtz, who coached the Razorback football team from 1977 to 1982, was a larger-than-life personality on the field and off. … More Lou Holtz

George's Majestic

Frou Gallagher, a long-time Fayetteville chronicler and videographer, created a documentary film about George's Majestic Lounge, the longest-operating pub in Fayetteville.