Black House

The Black House is one of the most elegant homes in Searcy. It is named after Civil War veteran Benjamin Clayton Black, who purchased it in 1866 and enlarged it into what it appears today in 1874. Black was a prominent local figure in Searcy. He was a successful businessman and served as mayor, postmaster, county sheriff, and chairman for the Democratic Central Committee for the county and congressional districts. The house is one of the few early examples of Victorian architecture still standing in the state. It is now occupied by the Searcy Art Gallery which presents six major exhibits each year.

The house was originally built as a two-room structure just prior to the beginning of the Civil War (it is unclear who built it). Black and his wife, Molly, bought the house in March 1866. They began to expand it in 1872 and designed it to resemble houses found in New Orleans where, apparently, they went for their honeymoon. The house features a two-story veranda with ornamental latticework with a cloverleaf pattern, and windows with decorative pediments supported by pilasters.

Black served for the Confederacy during the war. He enlisted when he was 18 years old but he became ill and was eventually discharged. He returned to Searcy and after some time he joined the Confederate cavalry. Black became captain in the 48th Arkansa cavalry regiment and served until he and his men surrendered in March 1865. Back in Searcy, Black started a business and, as noted above, served in a number of prominent positions in the coming years. He also served on the board of trustees for the University of Arkansas.

Black and Molly had eleven children. It appears the house remained in the family for several decades into the 20th century. It is unclear when it became an art gallery.

Riddle, Anthony. "Black House." National Park Service - National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form. November 20, 1974. https://www.arkansasheritage.com/docs/default-source/national-registry/WH0027-pdf.

"Searcy Art Gallery '''Black House'." Searcy Regional Chamber of Commerce. Accessed August 26, 2021. https://www.searcychamber.com/list/member/searcy-art-gallery-Black-house-searcy-5013932.