The effort to restore the historic Casey House in Mountain Home continues as work begins on rebuilding its back porch. The Baxter County Historical and Genealogical Society announced it is just eight sponsored boards short of its goal to complete the project, part of an ongoing campaign to preserve the 1858 structure.
The society launched the “All A-Board” campaign to fund the restoration, with supporters asked to sponsor individual white oak planks at $150 each. With eight boards still needed, the society estimates it must raise $1,200 to fully fund the porch work. Organizers have expressed gratitude to those who have already contributed, noting every donation helps preserve the landmark.
Crews are replacing the back porch’s aging pine boards with durable, period-appropriate white oak, in keeping with materials used when the home was originally built. The back porch is the latest phase in the Casey House restoration, following extensive earlier work. Previous efforts included replacing the roof with cedar shingles, rebuilding the front porch, refurbishing floorboards, and restoring interior wallpaper. Contractors also addressed structural issues, including repairs to the home’s foundational stacked rock base, which society members identified as an urgent priority. Born to Roof, a local contractor, has overseen much of the project.
Built in 1858 by Col. Randolph D. Casey, the Casey House is the oldest standing structure in Mountain Home. The two-room, dogtrot-style cabin originally served as Baxter County’s first courthouse and Mountain Home’s first post office. Casey later served as the county’s first representative in the Arkansas Legislature after Baxter County was formed in 1873. The building remains at its original site at the corner of East Wade and Arena streets, adjacent to the Baxter County Fairgrounds. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975.
The Casey House has survived numerous challenges, including the Civil War, a devastating tornado that damaged its roof in 1985, and more than 165 years of Arkansas weather. After the tornado, volunteers rallied to preserve what remained of the structure, preventing its loss.
The restoration project has been funded primarily through public sources. Baxter County earmarked $100,000 for the work in its 2025 budget, while the historical society secured a $68,000 state grant for earlier phases. Board sponsorships and individual donations help cover remaining costs. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, donations to the society are tax-deductible as allowed by law.
Community members interested in contributing can mail donations to the Baxter County Historical Society at P.O. Box 2125, Mountain Home, AR 72654. Donations may also be dropped off at the society’s museum, located at 300 Bomber Blvd., on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. More information is available by calling 870-425-2551 or visiting BaxterCountyHistory.org.