The Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism is pleased to announce the addition of a new historic marker at the Jacob Wolf House in Baxter County. The addition of this striking visual illustrates to visitors the role the structure and Jacob Wolf played in pioneer Arkansas. A formal dedication for the historic marker is being planned for fall of 2019.
“We are particularly proud of the addition of the historic marker at the Jacob Wolf House,” said Stacy Hurst, secretary, Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism. “The state took ownership of the property in 2017, and is committed to the preservation of this building that is nationally recognized as the last remaining two-story dog-trot public structure in the United States. The location is ideal for day trips for those interested in pioneer history. Personally, every visit to the Wolf House reveals something new. Our site manager recently reminded me that the structure is nearly 80% original, an unheard of statistic for wooden structures, but a testament to Mr. Wolf’s original craftsmanship.”
The Department of Arkansas Heritage (DAH) established the Arkansas Historical Marker Program two years ago as a way to commemorate the past by acknowledging the historically significant people, places and events that have shaped our state. In order to be considered for a historic marker a site or person is subject to meeting criteria available for review at the Department of Heritage’s website: http://www.arkansasheritage.com/Programs/arkansas-historical-markers. The cost of the markers is split 50/50 between DAH and a sponsoring organization, typically a civic group or historical society; however in the case of the Wolf House, DAH/Jacob Wolf House was also the sponsor for the marker.
“Life from the 1820s comes alive within the walls of the first permanent courthouse for Izard County in Arkansas Territory,” said Marlon Mowdy, site manager at the Jacob Wolf House. “We enjoy sharing the stories about the hustle and bustle when court was in session or about the trade and exploration along the White River and, of course, Mr. Wolf himself.” Educators interested in scheduling field trips to the Wolf House should contact Mowdy at 870-499-0556.
“It’s always rewarding to see groups exploring the Wolf House,” commented Scott Kaufman, division director of the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program which oversees the ongoing care of the Wolf House. “The addition of this historic marker is a continuation of the preservation and education efforts at this location. We’re looking forward to our continued partnership with Norfork Pioneer Days in May and bringing historical reenactors to the site throughout the year for living history demonstrations. Perhaps most exciting is that Marlon and his team recently started tours this summer.” Tours at the Wolf House happen Tuesday to Saturday at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. During other times the public is able to explore the house and grounds on self-guided tours.
The AHPP is the Department of Arkansas Heritage division responsible for identifying, evaluating, registering and preserving the state’s cultural resources. Other divisions are the Arkansas Arts Council, the Delta Cultural Center in Helena, the Old State House Museum, the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission, the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center, the Historic Arkansas Museum and the Arkansas State Archives.
