Van Buren, Arkansas is one of those towns where the past isn’t just preserved—it pulses. Between cobblestone-stories, restored buildings, and a surge in local businesses and festivals, Van Buren is weaving its history tightly with its modern-day growth. Here’s a closer look at how this small city is transforming without forgetting where it came from, and what to watch for in the coming months.
Roots & Landmarks: The Foundations of Van Buren
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Originally settled as Phillips Landing in the early 1800s by the Phillips family, the area served as a river port and wood & fuel depot for steamboat traffic along the Arkansas River.
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In 1831, the first post office was established and was named for President Martin Van Buren; the city was incorporated in 1845.
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Van Buren played a part in the Civil War, including the Van Buren raid of December 1862.
- The arrival of the Texas & Pacific Railway in 1873 and subsequent railroads reinforced its role as a transportation hub.
Preserving the Past & Building the Future
Van Buren’s historic core—the Main Street Historic District—spans roughly eight blocks of pre-1920 architecture including Victorian, Italianate, Queen Anne, and Chicago-school styles. These buildings line Main Street between the Frisco Train Depot and the Arkansas River.
Some standout landmarks:
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King Opera House (427 Main Street): Built in the late 19th century, restored, and today operated by the nonprofit Arts on Main. It remains a cultural touchstone.
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Drennen-Scott House: Built in 1836 by early settlers; now part of the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith, it serves as a living history site & museum.
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The Frisco Depot, Crawford County Courthouse, and other structures are not just preserved; they are active parts of daily Van Buren—housing shops, small businesses, local government, and community events.
Small Business & Community Life
A big shift in Van Buren lately: downtown small business is coming into its own. Local shops, artisans, food vendors, galleries, and boutiques are filling up historic Main Street and Old Town Van Buren. It’s not just about tourism but about creating local identity.
Some examples:
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The Old Town Merchants Association promotes businesses run by baristas & brewers, makers, antique dealers, designers, etc., along Main Street.
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Events like Downtown JunkFest (an outdoor market featuring antiques, repurposed items, handmade goods) are becoming local favorites.
Vibrant Events: What’s Happening Now
Van Buren isn’t resting on its laurels—there’s a full calendar of events that both celebrate its heritage and build community:
| Date |
Event |
What to Expect |
| Ongoing / Monthly |
Second Saturdays |
Shopping with local merchants in Downtown Van Buren; music, food, special promotions. (Old Town Van Buren) |
| Sep 2025 |
Downtown JunkFest |
Outdoor market with antiques, farmhouse décor, crafty finds. (www.vanburenchamber.org) |
| Sep 19, 2025 |
1st Annual BBQ Tailgate |
Local food + community gathering. (www.vanburenchamber.org) |
| Oct 11-12, 2025 |
Fall Festival (Main Street Historic District) |
Seasonal celebration, vendors, family activities. (Van Buren Advertising Commission) |
| Other Upcoming |
Coughran’s Hot Rod Car Show, Halloween on Main, Shop Small Business Saturday, Holiday Open House etc. (Van Buren Advertising Commission) |
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These events serve dual purpose: draw visitors in and build deeper local connections.
Why It’s Working — And Why It Matters
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Identity & Pride: Van Buren’s residents seem invested in celebrating their history—old homes, old streets, old stories. Preservation hasn’t meant stagnation; it's creating character.
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Tourism Potential: Historic districts, distinctive architecture, museums & landmarks (like King Opera House) give Van Buren appeal for visitors interested in history, arts, or just charming downtown experiences.
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Small Business Growth: Local artisans, merchants, restaurants are gradually filling in the storefronts. These businesses benefit from the historic charm, the festivals, and increased attention from visitors.
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Strategic Location: Its proximity to Fort Smith, river access, transport history, and position as a gateway make Van Buren more than an isolated small town. It has access and connectivity.
Challenges to Keep an Eye On
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Balancing preservation & modernization: As businesses move in and events increase, the need to maintain historic integrity—architectural, street-scapes, materials—can conflict with modernization demands (parking, ADA access, utilities).
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Infrastructure: To support more visitors and increased activity, infrastructure (roads, sidewalks, lighting, signage, public restrooms) often needs upgrading.
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Sustainability of local businesses: Festivals and visibility help, but small shops often face cashflow, rent, marketing, and seasonal demand challenges.
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Environmental / natural asset protection: Maintaining the green spaces, the riverbank, parks and natural beauty that complement the historical assets.
What’s Next: What to Watch
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Continued restoration & repurposing of historic buildings (e.g. abandoned or underused structures).
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Growth in food & beverage scene: pop-ups, food trucks, maybe cafés or breweries taking advantage of downtown foot traffic.
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Increasing frequency and variety of community events, possibly expanding into more arts (concerts, gallery walks, outdoor theater).
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More investment in signage, marketing, perhaps partnerships with regional/state tourism boards to attract visitors.
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Possible public/private partnerships to improve infrastructure downtown (streetscape, lighting, parking, accessibility).
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