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Podcast: Small Town News
Episode: Van Buren, AR - The Chronicles of Steampunk Narnia
Description: Welcome to Van Buren, Arkansas, where history abounds! Located on the northern bank of the Arkansas River near the Oklahoma border, the area was originally settled by Europeans in 1818 just before the Arkansas became a territory in 1819. The town quickly became a popular port and trade center. The town was officially named Van Buren in 1831 when the post office was constructed. The town's population more than doubled during the gold rush of 1849. The first District Court of Arkansas was created in 1851 in Van Buren, but was ultimately moved across the river to Fort Smith in 1871. The King Opera House, constr...