drennan-scott historic site

The university has done a great job preserving this house and opening it up to the public so history can be remembered. The house was built by the founder of Van Buren in 1836. He served as the local Indian Agent, and the home has hosted governors and future presidents. You really get a great sense of what life was like for the wealthy out on the frontier, which was a very hard life. The tour is relatively quick, and there is a lot to see, so it will hold your children's attention.

This is the original home built in 1836 by John Drennen, founder of the city of Van Buren, and Indian Agent for the Cherokees after the Trail of Tears. In this home Drennen met, played cards with, and drank with his business partner Sam Houston, the commander of Fort Smith, Zachery Taylor (later General and President), Albert Pike and more. John Drennen maintained the "Drennen Rolls" where Cherokees today can trace their heritage and membership in the tribe. Worth seeing! It is operated by the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith, and run by Tom Wing, historian par excellence.