
Augusta is
located approximately 75 miles northeast of
Little Rock
and 75 miles northwest of
West Memphis.
Located along
the banks of the White River, this historic town
is the county seat of
Woodruff
County. Due partially to
its proximity to the White
River, the area became a settlement
for the Chickasaw Indians. The tribe built log
huts along high bluffs overlooking the
White River, and the area became an
important trail between the Chickasaw and other
nearby tribes.
In the early
1820s, a settler looking for a new life floated
down the White River
and was entranced by the idyllic location.
Others soon followed; realizing that the town’s
closeness to the White was advantageous for
growth.
Augusta
– named for a niece of the town’s founder—was
established in 1848 and incorporated in 1861.
Although this
historic burg was virtually destroyed during the
Civil War, the town’s residents rebuilt –
determined to once again enjoy the prosperity of
the lovely river town. Many of these rebuilt
structures can still be seen today – such as the
impressive
Charles
Thompson-designed
Woodruff
County Courthouse and the
Gothic Revival-styled Augusta Presbyterian
Church, both of which have been placed on the
National Register of Historic Places.
Augusta
Memorial Park, also listed
on the National Register, was used first by the
Chickasaw as a burial ground and later by the
original settlers as a cemetery.
Augusta
still claims its location overlooking the scenic
White River. The town is well-known
as a favored spot for fisherman and boaters
alike who take full advantage of the bounty
offered by the picturesque river.