Lincoln Historical Sites
Washington County land records report that a man named Samuel Starr was appointed Osage Indian agent in about 1828 and established a presence near what would become North Street and West Avenue in Lincoln. North Street was the principal route to the Cherokee Nation at Tahlequah, the Creek (Muscogee) Nation just west of Fort Gibson, and the Arkansas River at Muskogee. The name Starr Hill, the township in which Lincoln is situated, was probably so designated because of Samuel Starr’s long tenure. Others attribute this designation to James Starr, who moved to the area from Illinois in the 1870s.
Early settlers of this part of Arkansas brought two primary commodities: corn seed and apple sprouts or shoots, with corn being their primary staple. Many of the early settlers had Native American roots and were accustomed to relying on corn for themselves and their livestock. Most settlers also used the apple to a great extent. Cider was a drink of choice, vinegar was an essential preservative, and the fruit could be cooked, stored, or dried for preservation.
The first stop on your audio tour is on the Northwest corner of the square. The building is currently part of Moore's Sales.