Since our road trips across Arkansas are sporadic and random, we often encounter a lot of the same history and relationships to other sites in the state. Our state has a deep connection with Native American history, so it is understandable that we would learn different aspects of the same history at each state park we visit. But learning about the same architecture is a little different.
Davidsonville’s Comparison
We first learned about the Jacob Wolf House at Davidsonville Historic State Park. Davidsonville is considered a ghost town, as the town has since been deserted. Archeological excavations piece together the history of life in this town. A few structures were recreated in the same place they were in old Davidsonville. Only the steel beams make up the structures, but you easily get the idea of the entire building.
Archeological excavations of one of the structures found quite a few similarities between it and the Jacob Wolf House. It was discovered that the foundation of a private residence (also a post office) was made of a massive limestone that would have been used to support a two-story log building. It is assumed that this residence was built in a dogtrot style with a breezeway in the middle of the first floor. This discovery and assumption were compared to the Wolf residence because it was built the same way. However, my assumption is that the Davidsonville residence was built a decade before or about the same time as the Wolf residence.
Branson Waypoint
After seeing the Jacob Wolf House mentioned at a couple other places, it was definitely put on our To-Visit list! Even our local museum had a lot of information on it and pictures hanging on one of their walls. So, we my mom and I decided to take my grandparents on vacation to Branson, Missouri, I made sure to put it in our itinerary. On the way back home, we got to experience a ferry ride, state park, and the Jacob Wolf House. My grandparents had already been to the site, so they stayed in the car and slept while my mom and I explored the property. We learned a lot of interesting history about the area and even discovered there was a Trail of Tears stamp! So, now I am collecting stamps for the Arkansas State Parks, Trail of Tears, Arkansas Historic Preservation, and National Parks! Whew, that is a lot to keep up with… and I just learned about another one to collect. I ask myself all the time, “what am I doing with my life?”
Jacob Wolf
Born of German heritage, Jacob Wolf was known for being a merchant of many trades. He served as a carpenter, blacksmith, and built log structures. It is recorded that him and his son maintained a general store, blacksmith, and carpentry shop on his home site to serve the town’s residents and thousands of travelers making their way to north Arkansas. One of his notable skills can be seen in his expertly shaped yellow pine logs that are 32-feet long.
In 1826, Wolf was elected as a representative to the General Assembly of Arkansas Territory. The inspiration to create a permanent courthouse for Izard County came from his time as representative. So, in 1829, he built the Jacob Wolf House for this purpose, and it also became the seat of justice. While the court was in session, people would make temporary camps on the site grounds. Due to its location on the river, the site served as a center of trade and river port.
Jacob Wolf House Historic Site
Located near where the White and Norfork rivers meet lies the Jacob Wolf House Historic Site. Even though the site is in Norfork, the town’s original name was Liberty, declared by Jacob Wolf in the early 1820s. Built in 1829, this two-story dogtrot structure was built by Jacob Wolf to serve as the first permanent county courthouse in Arkansas Territory. It is also the oldest public structure in the state and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Not only did the Jacob Wolf House serve as a courthouse, but also a family home, inn, tavern, and probably more things over the years. While it served as Izard County’s permanent courthouse, no record of a jailhouse in Liberty exists. The house’s oldest known photograph is circa 1903, taken over 75 years after the town of Liberty was created and when the first railroad came to the town.
The two-story structure with a dogtrot was once a common feature on American frontiers but is now rare to find on houses. Other log cabins in the state were built with this concept, as you will read about at state parks and some museums, such as Davidsonville Historic State Park. Built in 1829, the courthouse is the only original structure remaining. Some original furnishings remain, as well. It is notably the oldest public structure in Arkansas. A long resource study found that it is also the last remaining two-story dogtrot style public structure in the United States!
Furthermore, the site is certified as an official Trail of Tears Interpretive Center. The house is documented as a “witness site” to the 1,100 Cherokee men, women, and children that passed through Liberty along the Benge Route of the Cherokee Trail of Tears. It is also reported that Wolf served them in repairing some of their wagons when they passed through the town. If you are unaware of the Trail of Tears routes, you can learn more about their certified sites. So, be sure to inquire about it when visiting and get your Trail of Tears stamp when you visit the Jacob Wolf House!
Also located on the grounds is the 1832 John Wolf Cabin, who was Jacob’s son. Both the House and Cabin have been restored and are open for tours. Restorations and improvements are still being made to the property. They continue to improve the 1840 replica split rail fence surrounding the property, 19th century Wolf House cistern, new picnic pavilions, exhibits, and interpretive panels. There is an ADA trail with interpretive panels that allow you to see the first story of the House.
Jacob Wolf House is host to many different programs and activities. They host living history events, festivals, and more to make your visit unique. For more information on this historic site and their events, be sure to check out their Facebook page.
Have you ever been to one of their events? Tell us about it!