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 – Feb. 24

February 24, 2026

1840 The Honorable Edward Cross accepted nomination from a group of Washington County residents for re-election to the United States Congress on this day. Refer to the 3rd Congressional District of Arkansas to review all of the region’s representatives in Congress since territorial days. 1912 Thirty-six students at the University of Arkansas published an underground … More Today in History – Feb. 24

Margaret Swan Rodman

February 19, 2026

Margaret Swan Rodman passed away Thursday, February 19, 2026. She was born on April 4, 1936, in Marked Tree, Ark. Her parents, Marvin Swan and Allie Mae Anders Swan preceded her in death. Margaret lived a great life and her greatest legacy is her four children. She had a deep appreciation of learning and was … More Margaret Swan Rodman

Linda Osburn

February 6, 2026

Linda Annette Osburn, 73, of Fayetteville, passed away Friday, February 6, 2026, in Fayetteville. She was born January 15, 1953, in Fayetteville to Jay Lawson Osburn Sr. and Dorothy Mae Smith. She was a graduate of Fayetteville High School. Linda attended Center Street Church of Christ and retired from Black Hills Energy. Linda is survived … More Linda Osburn

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.