Platted in 1866, Argenta was named for the silver mines at the old Kellogg Diggins north of town. Thomas W. Newton Sr., who owned the land where Argenta sprang to life beginning in the 1870s, had overseen the Southwest and Arkansas Mining Company, which extracted lead and silver ores from shafts 90 feet deep by the late 1850s.
Today, Argenta is a blossoming, bustling historic downtown district. It is home to local businesses, restaurants, and entertainment venues, as well as Dickey-Stephens Ballpark. It offers several points of access to the Arkansas River Trail and its many attractions.
The River Rail Streetcar runs through Historic Downtown Argenta, providing a convenient and entertaining way to experience the area. River Rail operators provide information on historic sites, community events, future expansion plans, and other news and facts from your vantage point on the heated and cooled streetcars.
The North Little Rock Heritage Center at 506 Main Street is located in the city's first fire station. Constructed in 1895, the city's main fire station was in the building until 1962. Rebuilt in 2003, the building is home to the North Little Rock History Commission and the North Little Rock Historic District Commission. The first floor features exhibits on the city's history. The archives of the city are located on the second floor as well as research files and materials available for public use. The building is open to the public from 10 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Monday through Friday and for special events. Contact us at [email protected] or 501-371-0755.