Historic Whitman Building

The Whitman Building, currently located in Ozark's Eastside Park is a building with significant history. Merle Whitman wanted to cater to the needs of the tourists that flocked to the area marked as the Loveliest Scenic Spot in Arkansas. So, he built this tourist cabin behind a gas station he owned. This unique vernacular style cabin was rented to local tourists until June 25, 1934. This unique structure was purchased by the United States Army Corp of Engineer's in the 1960's for the construction of the Jeta Taylor Lock and Dam. The building was later used by the Ozark Chamber of Commerce from 1976 until 1995. The Whitman Building is significant to Ozark's history because it is the only historic tourist cabin in Ozark crafted from local Sandstone and fieldstone. This building is listed in the National Register of Historic Places under the multiple property listing of Arkansas Highway and Transportation Era Architecture , as well as, Arkansas Highway History and Architecture from 1910 to 1965.

The cabin was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2006.