History of Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA

Around 1828, they settled near the spring in an area that was to become the Masonic Addition to Fayetteville, the eastern part of which is at the base of Mount Sequoyah. James Leeper, a Revolutionary War veteran, was the second settler in Fayetteville. His son Matthew was appointed receiver of the Land Office by President Andrew Jackson. The Leepers owned all the land on the south side of Mount Sequoyah to the White River, as well as lots around the Fayetteville square. Matthew was married to Lucy Washington, and David Walker was married to her sister Jane Lewis Washington, representing the linking of two politically influential families in Fayetteville.

Washington County was established in 1828 out of Lovely County, which had existed for a year. The town of Washington Courthouse was the county seat, but the name was changed to Fayetteville in 1829 when a post office was established.

Fayetteville, a flourishing post-village, capital of Washington county, Arkansas, 200 miles N. W. from Little Rock. It has an elevated and highly picturesque situation, and abounds with the finest springs of pure cold water. It is the centre of an active trade, and has 2 large and flourishing schools, one for each sex. The Ozark Institute, 8 miles N. W. from the village, is a prosperous academy for boys, founded in 1845. Fayetteville contains a United States land-office, 3 churches, and a handsome court house The current of emigration is setting strongly towards this part of the state, Pop., in 1853, about 1200.

FAYETTEVILLE, ARK., Jan. 18. - The north-bound passenger train on the Frisco line was wrecked half a mile south of Wolsey's Switch this afternoon. The train was running at full speed when the two rear coaches left the track and turned completely over. The wounded were brought to Fayetteville and cared for by the local physicians. The following were hurt:
ERNST COLLINS, of Van Buren, Ark., left leg broken;
JOHN MITCHELL, Salem, Mo., shoulder blade fractured and spine injured;
J. L. HAWKINS, Salem, Mo., cut in the head and severely bruised;
J. M. EGAN, superintendent of telegraph, Springfield, Mo., serious gash in back of head;
MRS. DAVIS, of Fort Smith, bruised about the head and face;
O. REHOLS, Fort Smith, bruised about the arms and shoulders;
SAMUEL WILLIAMS, Meade Centre, Kas., cut in the head -- may prove fatal;
DICK COKE, Van Buren, slightly injured.

Fayetteville, a post-town, capital of Washington co., Ark., is pleasantly situated on high ground, 20 miles by rail S. of Rogers, and 62 miles by rail N. by E. of Fort Smith. It has 8 churches, 2 banks, 5 newspaper offices, 2 steam flour-mills, an electric plant, and manufactures of wagons, ploughs, &c. The State Agricultural and Industrial University, organized under the National Educational Land Grant Act of 1862, is situated here. Pop. in 1890, 2942.

Fayetteville, Ark., Feb. 5 - Mrs. Mary E. Wellman and her daughter have accomplished, a ride on horseback which makes the 90 mile ride required of the army officers look small in comparison. They rode alone from El Paso, Texas, to Fayetteville, Ark., a distance of 1,500 miles and undertook the hard journey for the sake of education. The daughter is now in college and doing well. Mrs. Wellman tells the experiences of her trip in the following graphic words:

"Necessity, and a desire to keep our horses, which to us are members of the family, compelled us to undertake the ride. Our collie dog Flossie, came with us. Climate and educational advantages attracted us to Fayetteville, Ark. My daughter Marguerite has been a rider for six years and is just 16. Almost daily, in New Mexico, her rides were from eight to ten miles, but I was no rider and avoided learning, so I had reason to dread the undertaking, especially at 53 years of age.

"Our first day's ride was 30 miles and from that...

Fayetteville, a banking city, capital of Washington co., Ark., is pleasantly situated on high ground, 65 miles N. by E. of Fort Smith, on the St. Louis and San Francisco R. It has roller- and flour-mills, and manufactures of wagons, foundry-products, and lumber. The Arkansas Industrial University, a United States Experiment Station, and a national cemetery are located here. Pop. in 1890, 2942 ; in 1900, 4081.

Fayetteville, Ark., Dec. 31. - Between $25,000 and $30,000 in liberty bonds were secured by robbers who looted the vault in the Bank of Lincoln, this county, last night, according to information received here this morning. No explosion was heard and there is no clew to the robbers.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark., Aug. 8. - The fourth annual Farmers' week will be held at the college of agriculture, University of Arkansas, at Fayetteville, August 15-18, inclusive. An interesting program has been prepared that will equal if not excel the program of last year.

Farmers, farm women, boys and girls, business men and anyone else interested in country life in Arkansas are given a cordial invitation to attend this meeting. A reduced rate will probably be secured on all of the railroads and special trains will run from Little Rock to Fayetteville to bring those form the south and east parts of the state who wish to attend. Lodgings will be provided free of charge while in Fayetteville and meals will be served at a comparatively low rate.