Latta Barn & Restroom

Historic Wall

The Circular Stone wall that encloses the Battle Monument is built of stones from historic structures of Washington County. Some 40 communities are represented, including the pioneer settlements at Cane Hill, Cincinnati, Viney Grove, Rhea's Mill, Mt. Comfort, Springdale, Elkins, Farmington, Fayetteville, and others. The stones are from the early schools and churches, mills, post offices, colleges, stage-coach stations and pioneer homes. They include building stones from old Cane Hill College, Ozark Institute, Salem Camp Ground, Ada, and Sweet Home post offices, the University of Arkansas, and many others. The wall is truly "History in Stone".

Stop #2
Latta House and Cellar

While not on the original battlefield, the Latta house and cellar (along with the other structures) remind us that there were four family homes on the ridge where the Confederate Army waited for the federals. Warned of the approaching conflict, Mrs. Borden took her three children west along the ridge, stopping at the homes of Dr. Hugh Rogers and William Rogers before reaching the William Morton house with the other families. When the fighting got near, the twenty men, women, and children hid in the Morton cellar, similar to the one west of the Latta House.

By 1860 the Latta farmed boasted numerous out-buildings including a springhouse, a smokehouse, a detached kitchen, and a cellar. 

 

Latta Smokehouse

Latta Springhouse

Latta Kitchen

Latta Cellar

Latta House

The Lord's Vineyard

This 2-story log house and out-building were erected by John Latta about 1834 on Evansville Creek, 12 miles southwest of this spot. The Latta settlement was called Vineyard from "The Lord's Vineyard." Vineyard was the first post office in Washington County (1829). John Latta was postmaster from 1835-1838 and conducted the office in this house. It was also a stop on the early stage route from Fayetteville and Cane Hill to Van Buren. This house figured in many of the stirring events of pioneer days on the Indian border. The buildings were given to t he Washington County Historical Society by F.F. Latta, grandson of the pioneer builder, and were removed to this site in 1958.



 

Borden apple orchard.