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.

Bernie Madison

July 20, 2026

Bernard L Madison, 84, of Fayetteville, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on July 20, 2026 after a short battle with Alzheimer’s. Born on a farm in Rocky Hill, Kentucky, near Mammoth Cave on August 1, 1941, he went on to achieve remarkable academic success, travel the world, and help countless students understand mathematics. He is survived … More Bernie Madison

Charlene Doke

July 9, 2026

Charlene Doke was born on August 13, 1934, in the Strain Community of Arkansas to Ernest Arvil and Hazel Evelyn Boaz. When she was one year old, her family moved to the farm in Black Oak, Arkansas, where she spent her childhood and formative years surrounded by family, faith, and the values that would guide … More Charlene Doke

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.