Sidney A. Umsted House
A striking Mediterranean Revival residence built for an oil magnate, now operating as a bed and breakfast inn.
At a glance
This two-story brick house at 404 Washington Street represents one of Camden’s finest examples of Mediterranean Revival design. Built in 1923–24, it stands as a monument to the sudden wealth generated by Arkansas’s oil boom.
History
Sidney Umsted became instantly wealthy following the discovery of oil in nearby Smackover in 1922, positioning himself among Arkansas’s wealthiest men. He commissioned this residence shortly thereafter, completing it in 1924. The house was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1995, recognizing its architectural and historical significance to the region.
What you see
The residence exemplifies Mediterranean Revival style through its distinctive formal character. Faced entirely in beige brick, the structure features a striking green tile roof that provides visual contrast. The two-story composition and material choices reflect the prosperity and cosmopolitan aspirations of Camden’s oil-wealthy elite during the 1920s.
Cultural significance
The house documents the transformative impact of oil discovery on Arkansas communities. It survives as tangible evidence of how sudden resource wealth shaped both individual fortunes and architectural ambitions in the early twentieth-century South, showcasing Mediterranean aesthetics adopted by American industrial magnates.
Key facts
- Built 1923–24
- Location: 404 Washington Street, Camden, Arkansas, United States
- Coordinates: 33.585°N, -92.83°W
- National Register of Historic Places (1923)
- Current use: Bed and breakfast inn
Practical information & getting there
The house operates as a bed and breakfast accommodation, offering visitors the opportunity to stay within a registered historic property. Camden is located in Ouachita County in south-central Arkansas. Contact the inn directly for reservations and operating hours.
Sources & resources
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