Historical Fort Smith

Historic James K. Barnes Home for Sale, Fort Smith Real Estate

October 13, 2009 by Ray Nellum · Leave a Comment

Historic James Barnes Homes

The historic James K. Barnes (ca. 1893) home is located in the center of the beautiful Belle Grove Historic District of Ft. Smith. This home is being offered to the Fort Smith Real Estate market at only $250,000!

The James K. Barnes house (ca. 1893) is a great example of Romanesque Revival architecture, identified with asymmetrical façades but normally has arches over windows or doors. The two other architectural styles that appeared near the end of the nineteenth century: Queen Anne and Romanesque Revival.

This home could be used as an office, home, or both!!

About James K. Barnes:

Born 1847 in Kentucky to a prominent lawyer, Sidney Barnes. He studied law in Lancaster, Ky., until moving to Little Rock in 1871 to practice with his father there in the firm of Benjamin & Barnes. He later was elected city solicitor. Immediately after his marriage to Mary M. Yonley, the couple traveled to Fort Smith by river steamer to make their new home.

In Fort Smith, he was a prominent member of the bar, trying cases in federal court, and an active citizen, serving several terms as city alderman and two terms as postmaster, appointed by Presidents Arthur and Harrison. His brother, Fort Smith lawyer Thomas Barnes, was appointed U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas by President McKinley. Thomas served only for one year until his death at which time James was appointed in 1898 to take his place, serving until his death in February 1909.

Barnes was leader of the Republican Party in this state and for several years a member of the Republican State Centeral Committee. Despite his solid Republican credentials, a future Democratic congressmen from western Arkansas, at the age of 5 and nearly naked and costumed as a cherub, sat atop the newell post in the front hallway for a party at the Barnes House.

The mood was almost assuredly more somber for another event that occurred in the house, the funeral of James Barnes. Among the honorary pallbearers were Judge William Clayton and James Brizzolara. Clayton served as U.S. attorney in Fort Smith before becoming a judge and Brizzolara was a magistrate in the court. Their homes still stand across Sixth Street from the Barnes House.

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Tagged: belle grove historic district, Fort Smith Homes for Sale, Fort Smith MLS, Fort Smith Real Estate, James Barnes, James K Barnes House Fort Smith

Fort Smith Gets Another Historic District! Fort Smith Real Estate

July 22, 2008 by Ray Nellum · 1 Comment

Mayor Ray Baker always says, “Life’s Worth Living in Fort Smith, Arkansas!” Boy, he knows what he’s talking about! Living just got a little more historic with the recent announcement from Frances McSwain, Arkansas Historic Preservation Program Director.

“Today, Fort Smith is a city of diverse sties, including the May-Lecta-Sweet neighborhood, which has managed to maintain its historic ambience with its tree-lined streets and historic homes,” the National Register nomination says. “The neighborhood has retained its quaintness, charm and architectural character, allowing the district to stand out as an excellent example of early suburban development in Fort Smith.”

The May-Lecta-Sweet Historic District is the second Historic District in Ft. Smith. The Belle Grove Historic District is one of the most recognized Historic Districts in the state.

The May-Lecta-Sweet Historic District has about 130 “structures” built between 1890 and 1958! The area has maintained it’s historical character through the years, and the different homes have their own unique architectural design. The entire area is very pleasing to drive through and even better to take an evening stroll.

If you or anyone you know would be interested in more information about homes available within this Historic District, or within the area please feel free to contact me at Ray@RayNellum.com. Remember, “To Buy or Sell’um, Call Ray Nellum!!! 479-414-1894.