Here Are The 4 Oldest Towns in Arkansas, One Dates Back to the 1600s

Arkansas has a rich history. If you want to find out what the oldest towns are in Arkansas. you have to go back in time, way way back.

The oldest towns in Arkansas were established before it became a state in 1836. Some go back to when it was a territory and the oldest goes back to the 1600s.

Let's take a look at the four oldest towns in Arkansas.

4. Little Rock

That's right Little Rock has been a town longer than Arkansas has been a state. Little Rock was incorporated as a city in 1831. Little Rock became the capital of the Arkansas Territory back in 1821 when it was moved from Arkansas Post, more on that later...

3.   Batesville

Incorporated as a town in 1821, Batesville is the oldest city in Arkansas but not the oldest settlement still in existence. Settlement is a term used for when the Europeans 'settled' into areas before the area became an incorporated town. Batesville began as a settlement in 1810. Located near the White River, it was an important port. Batesville also helped establish settlements in the Ozark Mountains area.

2.  Georgetown

Georgetown is the oldest settlement still in existence. It was settled in 1789, that's even before the Louisana Purchase. Georgetown is the oldest continuously settled community in the state. The total population as of 2022 was 84.

1. Arkansas Post

Oh, the history of this place. Arkansas Post was settled in 1686 that's 90 years before the signing of our Declaration of Independence!  Arkansas Post was settled by the French who used it as a fur trading post with the Quapaw Indian Nation.

Then it was owned by the Spanish and eventually landed in the hands of the U.S. in the Louisiana Purchase. In 1819 it became the capital of the Arkansas Territory. Then in 1821, the capital was moved to the new town of Little Rock.

During the Civil War, a military fort was built, but the Union soldiers came in and quickly took control. The fort, buildings and houses were all destroyed. It became a state park in 1929 and a National Memorial in 1960. The memorial represents the colorful history and cultures dating back to the 1700s. You can visit Arkansas Post located near Gillet, Arkansas.

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