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.

Charles Summerhill

October 28, 2026

Charles Edward Summerhill, age 72, of Fayetteville, Arkansas, lost his battle with Parkinson’s Disease on October 28, 2026, at Washington Regional Medical Center in Fayetteville. Charles and Jean were together for close to 50 years. They worked together at ROTC Grill in Fayetteville where he was the longtime manager. He was born Aug. 4, 1954, … More Charles Summerhill

The Kennedy Center

August 9, 2026

With the UA Fine Arts Center as an early trial, Fayetteville native Edward Durell Stone designed the Kennedy Center, a project pushed forward by Sen. J. William Fulbright. … More The Kennedy Center

Eclipses

December 24, 2025

Full solar eclipses for any particular point on earth are rare. The last one Fayetteville saw was in 1834. The next will be in 2045. … More Eclipses

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.