Travelers heading south through Yellville on Highway 14 toward the Buffalo River will pass a striking three-story landmark near Crooked Creek. Known as the Cowdrey House, the historic building—also called the Red Raven Inn since the 1980s—has recently been reacquired by a direct descendant of its original builder, J.S. Cowdrey.
Constructed in 1904, the Queen Anne-style home is noted for its asymmetrical design and its turret with a pyramidal roof. The craftsmanship extends to the interior, where woodwork manufactured in Memphis, Tennessee, was shipped to Yellville and installed.
The home was built by J.S. Cowdrey, a prominent settler and businessman in the area. Local lore claims the house once hosted President Herbert Hoover during a visit in 1927, though the story remains unverified.
Long known as the Red Raven Inn after being renamed decades ago, the house was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. It has occasionally served as a venue for special events, such as marriage ceremonies. Now, J.S. Cowdrey’s great-great-grandson, Ted Cowdrey Kimble, has taken ownership of the property, bringing with him furniture and furnishings to restore its historical character.
Kimble and his family now aim to return the home’s original name, the Cowdrey House, to local prominence as they continue caring for the estate.
The house holds a special place in the history of Yellville and is a testament to the craftsmanship and legacy of early Arkansas settlers.