Walking through the doors of the Captain Henderson House is like stepping back in time. Your mind?s eye takes over?. you hear the faint guffaw of Captain Charles C. Henderson in the parlor, engrossed in his morning aper. Mingling hints of nutmeg and ginger from the kitchen waft through the air. The house is living, breathing history; indeed, there are many stories to tell. History beckons you to return to that bygone era that has been preserved in the Captain Henderson House. This 9,000 square foot home has been delicately restored to its former glory?the detailed fretwork, pocket doors, and elaborate paneling evoke just some of the charm you will ncounter on your journey through the house. You will lose yourself to time, pouring over every nuance of the Captain Henderson House?every nook and cranny is worth investigating. And when that venture is done, the Arkadelphia area offers entertainment and recreation activities galore as well as the scenic beauty of the DeGray Lake State Park. The mansion is named for its former owner and namesake of Henderson State University, Captain Charles Christopher Henderson (Henderson is Arkansas?s only public university named for an individual). This magnificent 9,000 square-foot mansion began as a small cottage built in 1876. In 1906, however, this small cottage was incorporated into what was then known as the ?Big House.? In the 1920s, the ?Big House" was again expanded, creating the present structure. The Captain Henderson House contains what is arguably the best collection of interior wooden fretwork in the state of Arkansas. The mansion remained in the Phillips family until 1979, when Mary Jo Mann and Ruth Stone, granddaughters of Claude Phillips and graduates of Henderson, sold the house and property to the university. Their mother, Eloise Phillips Stone, was the last owner and resident. In 1998, the house was named to the National Register of Historic Places. Until its renovation in 1999, it served as the university?s museum, showcasing the school?s rich history. This most recent renovation has restored the mansion to its former majesty. On the first floor, the Victorian-style house features elaborate wood paneling, ornate fireplace mantels, and fine pocket doors. It exhibits characteristics of two important architectural trends. The Queen Anne style is exemplified by the round tower rooms and by the variously shaped roof and windows. The Doric porch columns and other details are in the neo-classical style. Dreams of a Victorian home wedding can come true at Captain Henderson House Bed and Breakfast owned and operated by Henderson State University in Arkadelphia. The bed and breakfast provides the ultimate in romantic settings for any wedding day. From the idealistic wooden staircase to the lush green lawn, the home and grounds provide the perfect location for your dream wedding. Vickie Jones, business manager/innkeeper, will help guide the bride through the process of finding the ideal combination of elegance and convenience to provide the ultimate in value and lifelong memories. She can assist with contacting Aramark catering service, which has a wide assortment of menu selections appropriate for any occasion. A pristine white tent, chairs and tables are available for outdoor events. Floral arrangements, wedding cakes and photographs can be arranged through local vendors familiar with the house. Weddings require a two-day reservation of the facilities. This allows for flexibility in accommodating the honeymoon couple and out-of-town guests. The spacious public rooms are finished with period pieces and can be booked by the hour for receptions. The wrap-around porch, original wooden fret-work and seven luxurious guestrooms make the inn an ideal location for special events. Each of the guestrooms is elegantly decorated; has a king- or queen- bed; a private bath (three of which have Jacuzzis) and is equipped with a phone, a data port for laptops and a television/VCR. Other amenities provided include a microwave, refrigerator, coffee maker, ironing board and iron, computer, video library, book library and game room. A full breakfast is served each morning. Henderson House has long been a favorite place for bridal photographs and remains so today. As a service to the community, Henderson House is available to the public for wedding photographs free of charge. To bring your wedding photographer on site, please call ahead for an appointment. In addition to weddings and photographs, the bed and breakfast also hosts bridal showers, rehearsal dinners, and receptions. You deserve versatility from your hosts when planning your wedding day. Allow Captain Henderson House Bed and Breakfast to cater to your needs and provide you with your dream. For more information about scheduling an event, please contact Vickie Jones, Captain Henderson House, 349 North 10th Street, Arkadelphia, AR 71923 or call (870) 230-5544.