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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



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

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

Arkansas Railroad Museum

Restored steam locomotive 819, a 4-8-4 built in Pine Bluff in 1942. Railroad memorabilia from various Arkansas railroads on d...

Pine Bluff/Jefferson County Historical Museum

Traces history from 1830 to present housed in a carefully restored Union Station depot; guided tours on request ...

Lake Monticello

A 1,520-acre lake that is rapidly gaining a reputation as a trophy bass lake. A recent catch was documented as the fourth-big...

Jenkins' Ferry Battlefield State Park

Directions: 13 miles south of Sheridan on the banks of the Saline River General Steele's Federal troops were desperately t...

Lake Columbia

Food Service/Picnic Area Available On Lake/River Name of Lake/River: Lake Columbia Directions: South From Magnolia On Hw...