Arkansas250 Marker Initiative
Installing historical markers on the occasion of an anniversary year has a long tradition in Arkansas. Many of the state’s oldest historical markers were placed during Arkansas’ statehood centennial in 1936. The Arkansas250 Commission is continuing this tradition by initiating a historical marker program to recognize some of the state’s most significant historic sites from the past 250 years. A set of six historical markers will be placed at different historic sites across the state.
Produced by Sewah Studios, a foundry in Ohio that is owned by native Arkansans, the six markers ordered to date will commemorate Arkansas Post, the Old State House, the Buffalo National River, the Louisiana Purchase survey initial point, Crater of Diamonds State Park, and Bauxite. All of these sites have national, if not global, significance.
The markers will feature a custom design based on existing patterns and colors in the Sewah repertoire. A metal pattern for each marker will be typeset by hand and used to create a mold in packed sand. The marker is cast by pouring molten aluminum into this mold. Once hardened, the plaque is cleaned and tidied up, then colored to specification using a durable baked-on powder coat and hand-painted details. The markers will be complete in time to install them in 2026 at their respective sites, where they will proudly proclaim Arkansas' heritage for decades to come.
A mockup of the future Arkansas250 Historical Marker for Bauxite, AR.
New Marker Locations
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Arkansas Post
Arkansas Post was the earliest European settlement in what is now Arkansas and was the site of the only Revolutionary War battle fought here.
Old State House
The Old State House was Arkansas’ first state capitol and, in later years as the home of the state Board of Health and University of Arkansas Medical Department, was associated with nationally significant breakthroughs in the control of malaria and hookworm.
Buffalo River
The Buffalo River became America’s first national river and has been protected as one of our country’s few remaining free-flowing streams.
Louisiana Purchase
Most of the Louisiana Purchase territory, including several state and county boundary lines—was surveyed using an initial point in Arkansas.
Crater of Diamonds
Crater of Diamonds State Park is unique in the world as the only place where the public can dig for diamonds at their source.
Bauxite
The ore that gave the community of Bauxite its name was mined there in large quantities to produce the vast majority of the aluminum needed for the American military aircraft that helped win World War II.