Florence Heritage Foundation

05/29/2026

On the day, May 29, 2007, in Columbia County history, the Water tower behind the Waldo City Hall was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

*Fun fact, the little white building under the water tower was once used as a jail.

05/28/2026

On this day, May 28, 2023, in Columbia County history two properties were added to the National Register of Historic Places. The Ruston Clinic and the Old Presidents House at Southern Arkansas University were both added to the National Register.

05/23/2026

One year ago today the Mt. Prospect Methodist Church building was moved from it's original location to the Southern Arkansas University campus to be placed along side of the Alexander House and Ozmer House

05/20/2026

Magnolia Bake Shop !!!

Before most of Arkansas has fully woken up, this bakery is already filling the morning with warm, buttery smells that feel impossible to resist.

05/16/2026

Magnolia is sprinkled with restaurants, specialty boutiques, murals, and more. It's one of the most walkable small towns in Arkansas.

05/09/2026

On this day in Columbia County history, May 9, 2024, Magnesia Springs Campground was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

04/22/2026

On this day, April 22, 1911, in Columbia County history Sheriff Sidney Smith McMath was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a man for selling whiskey to sawmill employees.
Sidney Smith McMath was the grandfather to Governor Sidney Sanders McMath.

Sources - Officer Down Memorial Page (www.odmp.org)
Find A Grave

The Officer Down Memorial Page (ODMP) is dedicated to remembering all law enforcement officers who have fallen in the line of duty.

04/22/2026

On this day in Columbia County history, Sheriff Sidney Smith McMath was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a man for selling whiskey to sawmill employees. Sheriff McMath managed to kill the gunman before he died.
Sidney Smith McMath was the grandfather to Governor Sidney Sanders McMath.

Sources - Officer Down Memorial Page (www.odmp.org)
Find a Grave

04/19/2026

Southwest Arkansas has the only cemetery that is an Arkansas State Park. The Conway Cemetery Historic State Park is located in Lafayette County right outside of Bradley, Arkansas. On March 27,1984, Arkansas Parks and Tourism acquired the cemetery. On March 29, 1986, it was officially dedicated as part of the Arkansas Sesquicentennial. On November 23, 1977, the cemetery was added to the National Register of Historic Places.