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Camden, Arkansas

Camden, Arkansas

Located on a bluff overlooking the Ouachita River, Camden is a city rich in Civil War history. The McCollum-Chidester House served as a Union headquarters when federal troops occupied the town during the Red River Campaign of 1864. Open for tours, the house still contains 1860s furnishings. About 10 miles to the northwest, the site of the Battle of Poison Springs is preserved by Poison Spring State Park, one of three state parks commemorating the campaign. Other Civil War sites in Camden include Fort Sutherland and Oakland Cemetery.

Artifacts related to two famous Camden products, Camark pottery and Grapette soft drinks, as well as Civil War and railroad relics, are exhibited at the Camden Visitors Center and Museum. Two major events held in the city are the spring Camden Daffodil Festival and autumn BPW Barn Sale.

Other area attractions include White Oak Lake State Park; the Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources at Smackover, which recounts the story of South Arkansas's oil boom; and El Dorado's restored "oil boom" downtown.

Attractions and Upcoming Events


Camden Driving & Garden Tours

Directions: Chamber Of Commerce Office Self-guided driving tour of homes; private garden tours;

Camden, AR Tours

Graham-Gaughan-Betts Home

Built for Major Joseph M. Graham and his wife Mary Washington (first cousin of George Washington) in 1856, this home served as headquarters of Union General Frederick Steele during the Union occupation of Camden in 1864. Furnished in period furniture; open for tours by appointment.

Camden, AR Historic Homes


Fort Southerland Park

Fort Southerland (also known as Fort Diamond) and Fort Lookout were both part of the formidable fortifications started by Confederate troops and improved by Federal soldiers during their 1864

Camden, AR Forts

Things to do near Camden, AR

Camden Confederate Monument

Directions: Ouachita County Courthouse Lawn...

Delta Rivers Nature Center

An Arkansas Game and Fish Commission facility, the center features exhibits that reveal the natural history of Arkansas's Del...

Oakland Cemetery

The Confederate Section of this cemetery is the final resting place for more than 200 Confederate soldiers; over 150 years of...

Fordyce Mural

Displays history of the town and its football heritage; Fordyce is the birthplace of the late Coach Paul "Bear" Bryant...

Nevada County Depot Museum

Directions: U.S. 67 South, two miles from Interstate 30; watch for signs at two exits Restored railroad depot with exhibit...