Page "Washington, Arkansas" Paragraph 2

During the War with Mexico, beginning in 1846, Washington became a rally point for volunteer troops on their way to serve with the US Army.

Later, the town became a major service center for area planters, merchants and professionals.

Following the capture of Little Rock by the Union Army in 1863, the Confederate government moved the state government offices to Hot Springs for short time, then ultimately based the state government out of Washington, making it the Capital of Arkansas from 1863-1865.

Albert G. Simms ( 1882 – 1964 ), a United States Representative from New Mexico, was born here.

Following the construction of the Cairo and Fulton railroad eight miles to the south of Washington, which connected much of the state with Little Rock, the town began a slow decline.

No longer on a main travel route, Hope, Arkansas took on Washington's formerly important role.