Drennen-Scott House

The Drennen-Scott House was the home to Van Buren co-founder John Drennen.[1] Drennen was also an Indian agent who was responsible for paying Cherokee Indians settlements for relocating.[2] The home was owned by the family until 2005 when it was donated to the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith[3]

           The land for the home was purchased in 1836, selected due to its location providing ease of visibility to the Arkansas River below.[4] This area, called Phillips Landing, allowed Drennen and his brother-in-law David Thompson to see the arrival of their steamboats without having to worry about constant flooding.[5] The home began as a one-room structure that grew as the family grew. Drennen’s daughter, Caroline, married Charles Scott who would continue the family legacy.[6] This is why the home is known as the Drennen-Scott House.[7]

           The house is now used by the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith Historical Interpretation Program to provide students with real life experiences.[8] The house opened to the public in 2011.[9] Visitors can explore the ground outside the house as well as the interior which contains some of the original structure and furniture.

[1] Leita Spears, “Drennen-Scott Historic Site,” Encyclopedia of Arkansas, https://encyclopediaofarkansas.net/entries/drennen-scott-historic-site-6945/ (accessed December 13, 2019).

[2] Ibid.

[3] “UAFS Drennen-Scott House:150 years of History in a Working Laboratory,” Van Buren, Arkansas, https://www.vanburen.org/uafs-drennen-scott-house/ (accessed December 13, 2019).

[4] Leita Spears, “Drennen-Scott Historic Site,” Encyclopedia of Arkansas, https://encyclopediaofarkansas.net/entries/drennen-scott-historic-site-6945/ (accessed December 13, 2019).

[5] Ibid.

[6] Ibid.

[7] Ibid.

[8] “Drennen Scott House,” University of Arkansas Fort Smith, https://class.uafs.edu/history/drennen-scott-house (accessed December 13, 2019).

[9] Leita Spears, “Drennen-Scott Historic Site,” Encyclopedia of Arkansas, https://encyclopediaofarkansas.net/entries/drennen-scott-historic-site-6945/ (accessed December 13, 2019).

“Drennen Scott House.” University of Arkansas Fort Smith. https://class.uafs.edu/history/drennen-scott-house (accessed December 13, 2019).

Spears, Leita. “Drennen-Scott Historic Site.” Encyclopedia of Arkansas. https://encyclopediaofarkansas.net/entries/drennen-scott-historic-site-6945/ (accessed December 13, 2019).

“UAFS Drennen-Scott House:150 years of History in a Working Laboratory.” Van Buren, Arkansas. https://www.vanburen.org/uafs-drennen-scott-house/ (accessed December 13, 2019).