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 15

March 15, 2026

1862 Harper’s Weekly reported on this day that Union General Henry Halleck had taken Fayetteville “with numerous prisoners and great quantities of stores, ammunition, baggage, and the like.” The report also indicated that 42 officers and troops of the 5th Missouri Regiment had been poisoned at Mudtown by food left behind by the enemy, which … More Today in History – March 15

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

Joel Bunch

February 28, 2026

Lt. Colonel (Ret.) Joel L. Bunch passed away Saturday, February 28th, in Fayetteville after 91 beloved and beautiful years. Born in Elkins, Arkansas, on February 17, 1935, to Joel Ernest Bunch and Edith (Stokenbury) Bunch, he grew up in Elkins where he lived for most of his life and graduated from Elkins High School and … More Joel Bunch

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.