Scottish
Robert Brownlee, a Scottish stonemason, came to Little Rock in 1837 to help build the Old State House. He pursued a number of careers before leaving for California in the 1849 gold rush. From the late 1840s through 1852, the home's residents were James and Isabelle Brownlee and Tabby, a slave.
Scotsman James McVicar was director of the state penitentiary, a Mason, a veteran of the Mexican War and a slaveholder. In 1849 he and Robert Brownlee led the Little Rock-California Company to the California Gold Rush. McVicar later returned to Little Rock and married.
Historic Arkansas Museum
The Brownlee and McVicar homes are on the tour of historic homes at the Historic Arkansas Museum. For more information, contact the Historic Arkansas Museum at (501) 324-9351.