Where in the world did our capital go?

Questions: Why did the capital move to Washington? Who were important people during this time? What is the importance of the Southwest Trail? How does the Bowie Knife fit into this? What is Washington today?

The state capital moved from Little Rock to Washington.

Southwest Trail A path that ran across our state. Travelers along this trail affected history. What happened to the trail when the railroad came along? This is also called the “Old Military Road.”

Important People Colonel Flanagin Harris Isaac Murphy General Frederick Steele James Black James Bowie Sam Houston Davy Crockett

Near Washington, Arkansas James Bowie often met Sam Houston, Davy Crockett, and others to plan. On one occasion, Bowie contacted James Black to create a strong knife.

Bowie Knife Colonel James Bowie was a famous knife fighter. He contacted James Black to make a special knife. James Black was well known for his creation of the Bowie Knife. Given a knife pattern with a single edge, James Black made two knives. One was from the Bowie pattern. The other knife had changed the design with a curved point of two edges. It was strong enough to stab or slash. Both men died tragically leaving mysteries unsolved.

Washington Today Washington is now a state park.