Washington County

Images of America: Arkansas

by Velda Brotherton

In its early days, Washington County was a diverse area that attracted many settlers who were eager to set up homesteads and farm the land. When Arkansas became a state in 1836, the county led the way in education and was a prosperous place to live and work. This volume explores the lives of several generations of early residents and the ways in which they survived in some of the most rugged country west of the Mississippi. The photographs in this collection, many of which date back to the late 1880s, serve as priceless reminders of the real-life stories of early Ozark homesteaders. Enhanced by an informative and entertaining text, these vintage snapshots also provide the reader with views of early organizations such as the Young Americans and the Home Demonstration Clubs, and political groups such as the local "petticoat government," which was touted as the first of its kind. In Washington County, Arkansas, you will discover the area's plentiful apple orchards and strawberry fields, its sawmills and gristmills, and its canneries and prosperous businesses along the railroad line. Rare scenes of local reunions, river baptisms, singing schools, parties, and county fairs are also brought to life within these pages.

128 pages, Paperback

First published June 21, 1999

About the author

Velda Brotherton writes of romance in the old west with an authenticity that
makes her many historical characters ring true. A knowledge of the rich history of
our country comes through in both her fiction and nonfiction books, as well as in
her writing workshops and speaking engagements. She just as easily steps out of
the past into contemporary settings to create novels about women with the ability
to conquer life’s difficult challenges. Tough heroines, strong and gentle heroes,
villains to die for, all live in the pages of her novels and books.

Reviews

[Claire Croxton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Velda Brotherton was named Washington County Citizen of the Year in 2010. A well deserved honor. She knows the Ozarks and she does her research. She's truly a remarkable author and historian

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting collection of photographs mostly from the first two decades of the 20th Century, but there are a few from before and after that period.