Potts Inn Museum

John Kirkbride Potts arrived in Arkansas with two families of enslaved persons and settled in an area south of the Arkansas River. He later met his wife, Pamelia Logan, and the couple moved to a two-story log cabin by Crow Mountain. Using John Potts' profit from a cattle drive, they built another home that was 2 and 1/2 stories using slave labor. It was a similar design to Potts' previous home in Pennsylvania.

The Potts home soon became a waystation for travelers and was also a meeting place for area residents, and the home soon earned the nickname of "Pottsville." Mrs. Potts was popular among travelers for having the cleanest beds and best food, as was stated by many. It is known as one of the best-preserved places and is a fine example of antebellum architecture. There are 9 rooms, all featuring bricks made at the homesite. The community room or family room was where the men would smoke cigars and discuss serious politics. The first post office, known as "Galla Creek Post Office," in the area was located in the wide hall of the Potts home. It occupies a spot in the community room. This home had many important dinner guests including governors, military officials, and Cherokee chiefs. The parlor room was used for occasions such as tea parties and musicals. The attic was where the children would sleep among pallets when the inn was completely occupied. It remains in its original state.

This previously hotel now operates as the "Potts Inn Museum" and offers artifacts, exhibits, and information about local history. Several of the fourteen original buildings constructed at this location have been preserved and the complex includes a doll museum and hat museum.

Edwards, Dianne S.. History at Our Doorstep ~ Potts Inn, Historic Stagecoach Station, About the River Valley. May 1st 2008. Accessed April 6th 2021. https://aboutrvmag.com/2008/05/01/history-at-our-doorstep-potts-inn-historic-stagecoach-station/.