2022 Jonquil Festival Historical Facts + Schedule of Events

The annual Jonquil Festival is this weekend March 18-19, in historic Washington State Park Arkansas just 45 minutes from Texarkana.

Besides thousands of blooming jonquils, great food, arts and crafts, 5k run, cook-offs, live entertainment, and tours. Old Washington has a very interesting past, to say the least. If you grew up in this area chances are you already know about the history but for those who may be visiting for the first time, there are 6 things you should know about Washington State Park.

Fact 1

This was once known as the Southwest Trail, James Bowie, Sam Houston, and Davey Crockett passed through here on their way to Texas.

Fact 2

Old Washington was once home to James Black, a local blacksmith who forged the knife for James Bowie that became famously known as the Bowie knife and was used in the Battle of the Alamo in Texas.

Fact 3

The 1874 Hempstead County Courthouse once served as the Confederate capital of Arkansas from 1863-1865. It now is a visitor center that sits in the middle of the annual jonquil festival and has a gift shop.

Fact 4

On February 14, 1820, Washington was authorized for a post office which still remains today as one of the oldest postal offices west of the Mississippi River.

Fact 5

Washington, Arkansas got its name in honor of George Washington's birthday on Feb. 22, 1824. Washington became a state park in 1965 and remains listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Fact 6

The largest Magnolia tree in the state of Arkansas resides here, planted in 1839.

Make sure you visit the old schoolhouse, gymnasium, candle shop, churches, and take the time to tour some of the historical homes.

Take the time to eat at Williams Tavern for a delicious home-cooked buffet from 11-3 Friday and Saturday during the festival.

This is an Arkansas treasure and it's like stepping back in time no matter what time of the season you plan on visiting.

 Jonquil Fesitval Events

History of the Blacksmith Shop and the Bowie Knife