A Place Called Hope, AR

Settled in 1852 and incorporated in 1875, Hope was named in honor of the daughter of James Loughborough, the Cairo and Fulton railroad Land Commissioner, who drew up the original plat of the city. As you can tell, Hope was a big Missouri-Pacific Railroad city and they have many interesting exhibits about the historic railways.

Located 25 miles northeast of Texarkana USA and 120 miles southwest of Little Rock.

Hope was the birthplace of Bill Clinton, although Hot Springs also claims the President (he was raised in Hot Springs). It was also the birthplace of former Governor Mike Huckabee. According to Mike Huckabee, Hope is the only city on record to have produced a governor and president who served at the same time.

While we are proud of politicians, we're also proud of our watermelon. Hope plays host of one the biggest festivals in Arkansas, The Hope Watermelon Festival. This is normally held in August, when watermelons are in season. Hope was famous for it melons long before Clinton moved to DC. Hope is said to grow the biggest melons in the country.

Hope Visitor Center & Museum
100 East Division Street
Hope, AR 71801
870-722-2580
Housed in the historic Missouri-Pacific Railroad depot, the visitor center has a Clinton exhibit and some info on the railways. There are, of course, watermelons here too.

You can visit Clinton's birthplace if you go to Hope.

117 S. Hervey St
PO Box 1925
Hope, AR 71801
870-777-4455
Website

You can still see remenats of the Missouri-Pacific Railroad in Hope, AR. If you are a railway buff, check out the Kansas City Southern Historical Society for more information.

Not in Hope, but not too far, is Historic Washington State Park. It is one of America's premier historic villages. It contains over 30 restored houses and shops. Historic Washington State Park is located in Washington, AR. 870-983-268.