Barkman House

Erected around 1860 by prosperous farmer James Barkman, the Barkman House is considered one of the most unique homes in the state. Its combination of the Greek and Gothic Revival architectural styles is unique in Arkansas and represents the transition from antebellum (pre-Civil War) to Victorian architecture. Gothic Revival architecture is also rare in Arkansas. Some of the house's notable features include large corner Doric pilasters (columns), a wide roof overhang, and highly decorative latticework. The house is located on the Henderson State University campus and is occupied by the university's Office of Development and Alumni Services.

James Barkman was born in 1819. His father, Jacob, was one of the earliest settlers in what would become Clark County, arriving in Arkadelphia around 1811. He was a farmer and eventually owned several business. Barkman learned farming from his father and became very successful. By 1860, he was married with a son and four daughters, and owned 28 enslaved workers. He would have another son and daughter as well.

Barkman's youngest son, Walter, lived in the house until he died in 1859. It remained a family residence until the university acquired it in 1968 (at that time, the university was called Henderson State Teachers College and was used for a variety of purposes including as a sorority meeting house. It is unclear when the Office of Development and Alumni Services moved in. The house was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.

Baxter, Ed. "James E. M. Barkman House." National Park Service - National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form. July 30, 1974. https://www.arkansasheritage.com/docs/default-source/national-registry/CL0002-pdf.

Sesser, David. "James E. M. Barkman House." Encyclopedia of Arkansas. Last Updated October 20, 2021. https://encyclopediaofarkansas.net/entries/james-e-m-barkman-house-9195.