Asking for Community Support to Save the Endangered 1885 R.M. Knox House in Pine Bluff, Arkansas

The 1885 R.M. Knox House is a beautiful T-shaped, wood-framed home built for Civil War veteran Richard Morris Knox by architect and builder C. J. Faucett. It stands as one of the finest examples of Eastlake Victorian architecture in Arkansas. According to local stories, Knox even paid Faucett in gold coins to complete the home.

Today, this historic house is in need of restoration—and that’s where the community can make a difference.

We’re asking for your support through our temporary GoFundMe as we work toward becoming an official nonprofit organization. Many people assume the house is beyond saving, but that’s simply not true. I’ve personally toured the home, and it still has strong structural integrity. The issues are manageable: a few minor leaks, small holes in places, and while parts of the roof need attention, a significant portion is still made of newer wood with no signs of rot.

The main area that needs repair is the tower and front porch. The tower has some small holes near the top, both in the front and back. However, it still rests on a solid foundation and retains its original, strong support system. The double porch has recently collapsed but stands as no threat to the strong foundation of the house itself and is not a necessary immediate fix.

This home has stood for nearly 140 years, and with the right care, it can continue to stand for generations to come.

We’re planning a local meeting in Pine Bluff soon and will continue to share updates through our Facebook group, “Save The Endangered R.M. Knox House.” We encourage anyone who cares about history, architecture, or preserving our heritage to get involved and help us save this incredible piece of Arkansas history.