The Drennen-Scott house at 221 North 3rd Street is Van Buren's finest historic home and a fine rainy-day or layover-day add-on. Built in 1838, it was first occupied by John Drennen and his family, and the Drennen family lived there until the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith acquired the property in 2005. The house overlooks the Arkansas River and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places; its restored antebellum furniture is kept to museum standards, and highlights include an 1893 Chicago World's Fair frieze, a grandfather clock from the 1740s and an 1860 Steinway piano. The site is tied to the Trail of Tears, the Underground Railroad and the Civil War. Admission is free. The city's tourism office lists seasonal hours (Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from April through November, 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., when last published), so call 479-262-2750 before you go.
Few small-town house museums sit at the intersection of so many chapters of American history. The city's own description ties the site to the Trail of Tears, the Underground Railroad and the Civil War, and the house stood through all of it. The house is a working laboratory for UAFS students, who maintain and interpret the collection.
Visiting is simple
It is within walking distance of Main Street, free, and short. Staff or student guides take you through rooms furnished to the period, with the Steinway and the world's-fair frieze as the show pieces. A nearby home, the Leonard Willhaf house, is also listed by the city as free.
Hours are seasonal and limited, which is the main planning issue. If you are on a train layover, check hours first; a Wednesday, Friday or Saturday train day lines up best. Otherwise treat it as a Van Buren weekend stop.
What to expect
The experience
A guided visit through an 1838 riverside home with restored antebellum furniture, an 1893 world's fair frieze, a 1740s clock and an 1860 Steinway.
Best time
When open — April through November, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays as last published. Call ahead.
How long
About 45 to 60 minutes.
Tips
Call 479-262-2750 or email drennen-scott@uafs.edu to confirm hours; admission is free.
Quick picks
- Best for
- History lovers who want the human side of Van Buren's story.
- Families
- Older kids who like old houses; keep hands off the antiques.
- Couples
- A quiet, free add-on to a Main Street afternoon.
- Pair with
- Historic Main Street and the Old Frisco Depot.
- Time needed
- About an hour.
Good questions
Is it free?+
Yes, the city lists admission as free.
What are the hours?+
When last published, April through November on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Hours change, so call 479-262-2750.
Who runs it?+
The University of Arkansas at Fort Smith, which acquired the property in 2005.
How old is the house?+
It was built in 1838.
Where is it?+
221 North 3rd Street, Van Buren, overlooking the Arkansas River.
