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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


Oakland Cemetery

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

Camden, AR Cemeteries

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

McCollum-Chidester House

Directions: Ark. 278, which leads into town, becomes Washington Street Built for Peter McCollum in 1847, this museum features some of the original furnishings which were brought up the Mississippi by steamboat from New Orleans in 1863

Camden, AR Historic Homes

Things to do near Camden, AR

Rialto Theatre

During its two years in operation, the local architectural firm of Kolben, Hunter, and Boyd designed this classical revival s...

Garrison-McLain House

Directions: Stateline Avenue Exit off I-30; go south, then turn left on Seventh Street; turn right on Pecan Street; located a...

Prairie DeAnn Battlefield

The scene of heavy skirmishes April 9-12, 1864 as Southern soldiers sought to blunt the Union drive toward the Red River. Tho...