Historic Downtown Russellville Walking Tour
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Description
A tour of our beautiful and historic downtown, and a refreshing stroll through time.
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1. Russellville First Baptist Church
Russellville First Baptist Church is a Baptist church in downtown Russellville, Arkansas. As per its name, First Baptist Church was the first Baptist church to be established in the town. Through several years of growth, First Baptist Church has gone on to establish several other churches in the area, most notably Second Baptist Church.
2. Henry R. Koen Forest Service Building
The Henry R. Koen Building Russellville Supervisor's Office was built in 1939 by the Civilian Conservation Corps. This two-story building is equipped with a basement and constructed with sandstone and dark stained wood. Its Rustic style is an urban version of the style best associated with the CCC. This design was provided by a treasury department architect. The building shows the dedication of both the people and the politicians living in Arkansas to keep Arkansas the "natural state."
3. Edwards Chapel Christian Church
The Edwards Chapel Christian Church is a 1939 bungalow-style home. It was built as a small family home on independence avenue and was listed on The Arkansas Register of Historic Places in 2017. The notability of this building is due to its connection with The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). It is the first meeting place for that denomination in the city and county. The church itself was founded in 1868 as a biracial church in the community of Coal Hill, about 20 miles from the 1939 building. The current location of the church is on Independence Avenue. According to Arkansas Heritage and other local histories, Pope Kelley was re-founded, by a white man for local white citizens and freedpeople.
4. The 500 Building
Nestled on the corner of West Main Street and North El Paso in Russellville, Arkansas, the 500 Building stands as a local historic landmark. A structure from a different time, the 500 Building presents a rich history and represents a different time and era as it stands in stark contrast to the new and modern fire station in the neighboring lot. Thousands of locals from Russellville and the Pope County area pass by the building every single day. This building made entirely of brick and concrete has stood for decades in the heart of downtown Russellville.
5. Central Presbyterian Church
The Presbyterianism church originated in Scotland. However, it first came to Arkansas (Arkansas Post) by the means of John P. Carnahan who was originally from Kentucky’s Cumberland Presbytery. Followers of this religion have been known to place an emphasis on evangelism, education, and reform. However, many disagreements on theology, governance, and reform have caused many Presbyterian churches to split up. Many branches of the Presbyterian faith are from these divisions.Differences between Presbyterianism to other more prominent forms of Christian faith such as Protestant, Presbyterians do not believe in catholic teachings and believe that human actions cannot affect their salvation, as born Christians just have to be purified with no redemption which is common in other forms of worship as the followers of Presbyterianism believe in predestination. Churches following this faith also have a structural government containing elected elders. Other beliefs shared in the Presbyterian church is that there is a tradition of confession and that they show their faith through social work and humanity.The Bible to them is the highest form of command to them. Though they read the Bible, they believe that is the general standard and should ask the elders questions about their studies. Here in Russellville, Arkansas is the Central Presbyterian Church. The church itself has a beautiful gothic exterior design with Victorian styled windows and an intense and passionate maroon color. The church prides itself as being one of the oldest churches in Russellville and has been around through two world wars.
6. The Russellville Missouri Pacific Train Depot
The Missouri Pacific train depot is a red brick and stucco building that was built in 1917. The depot would handle passengers and mail as well as sell tickets. It was due to the previous depot not being sufficient for the town’s needs. It is now preserved as a local historical land mark. The depot was originally operated by the Iron Mountain Railroad but was taken over by the Missouri Pacific Railroad when the two merged.
