Tucked away in the heart of Calico Rock stands a rare treasure of Arkansas history — the Trimble House, one of the few pre-Civil War log buildings still standing in the state.
The cabin was built in 1853–54 by John Newton Trimble in the Union Township of Izard County, Arkansas. He and his neighbors cut straight shortleaf pines, that at the time were 80–90 years old, to construct the 19-square-foot family home.
By the early 2000s, the cabin had fallen into severe disrepair and was at risk of being lost entirely. To save it, the Izard County Historical Society made the decision to relocate the structure to a secure and accessible location where it could be preserved and shared with the public.
In 2009, the cabin was carefully moved to its present site in Calico Rock, Arkansas. Every log was marked and each square nail removed so they could be replaced exactly as the Trimbles had built them over 150 years earlier.
This painstaking reconstruction not only saved a remarkable piece of architecture, but also ensured its authenticity — allowing visitors to experience it just as it would have appeared in the mid-19th century.
Today, the Trimble House stands as a tangible reminder of the craftsmanship, resourcefulness, and resilience of Arkansas’s early settlers. It’s more than a building; it’s a piece of living history where every log tells a story.
Karin Huffman is an Independence County native who graduated from Cushman High School in 1996. Traveling throughout the state is one of her passions, along with writing about her adventures.
Taking over as travel writer for the Ozark Gateway Region is a dream come true for Huffman who lives in the region with her two daughters, Grace and Stella.
As a family, they enjoy canoeing the Poke Bayou, Salado Creek and the many waterways along the White River in Independence County. Camping and hiking throughout the region is a must for them in the spring and fall as well.
Huffman is an avid nature photographer who will do just about anything to find the perfect waterfall shot, and has visited many in the great state. From Twin Falls and the Richland Creek area in Northwest Arkansas to little known places off the beaten path, waterfalls will be found.
Huffman has been a travel writer for the Eye on Independence Magazine as well as a staff writer for the Batesville Guard, and is looking forward to devoting her time to traveling throughout the eight county region that the Ozark Gateway offers.
If you would like to contact Huffman about an adventure or would like to know how to get more information out about your area, contact her at 870-307-5473, karinhuffman78@gmail.com or karinozarkgateway@sbcglobal.net.