For 170 years, the Shoppach House has graced the northern edge of the original plot of 80 acres of the City of Benton, Arkansas. It wasn’t the first built, but it is the oldest standing brick home in Saline County. Built by John Wilhelm Shoppach, the home’s bricks were formed and fired on site, according to documents by the Friends of the Shoppach House.
The Shoppach House (Shooper) has been located at 503 N. Main Street in Benton, Arkansas for 170 years. Visit by appointment or come on Third Thursdays. Scroll to the end to see the video
Shoppach was born in Germany on March 16, 1809. The last name is German. The family pronounces it “Shooper.”
John came to Benton around 1836. His wife Sibby Pelton was born in America, in East St. Louis, Illinois on June 16, 1813. Her family migrated to Benton 4 years later.
There was only one family already living here when her family arrived and that was William Lockhart at Saline Crossing. At some point Sibby and John met and were married on July 8, 1838. Over their 23-year marriage, they had 11 children.
This historical marker stands outside the Shoppach House. There are several errors on it. John W. Shoppach build the home. His son was John F. Shoppach, who would have been about 6 years old at the time it was built. Also, it was built in 1853. View photos below of the outside of the Shoppach House, as taken in June 2023 by Thelma Poole. Click an image to enlarge.
-
- Shoppach House side view
-
- Pilgrim Rest church
-
- Detonti post office
John was active in politics. He was elected and served as County and City Clerk from 1852-1861. The house itself has been an active participant in history, as it was the site of the assembly of Confederate Infantry in 1861, before their role in Virginia in the Battle of Bull Run during the Civil War. It was also occupied by the Union Army in 1863 and officers took their quarters there.
View photos below of the inside of the Shoppach House, as taken in June 2023 by Thelma Poole. Click an image to enlarge.
-
- Visit
-
- the
-
- Shoppach
-
- House
-
- to learn
-
- about
-
- these
-
- 19th century
-
- artifacts.
Today, the Shoppach House is a museum. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in October 10, 1975. It is privately owned and managed by the Saline County Art League. The organization is a 501(3)c non-profit and relies on donations as well as memberships.
Consider joining as an individual, family, business, or foundation. All contributions are fully tax-deductible as allowed by law. Membership dues entitle the member to receive the semi-annual Friends of the Shoppach House newsletter.
Send a check made out to Saline County Art League and mail it to Friends of the Shoppach House, 521 W. Cross Street, Benton AR 72015. Include your name and contact info for donations and memberships. Membership is on a calendar year basis, from January 1 – December 31. The membership and sponsorship levels are as follows:
- Individual membership – $20/year
- Family membership – $30/year
- Sustaining individual, business or foundation – $150/year
- One time Heritage donation – $500
- One time Honorary/Memorial donation – $1,000
- One time Benefactor donation – $5,000
For more information about membership, visiting the museum or getting a guided tour, contact Harold D. Pelton, SCAL President at [email protected] or call 501-840-5873. Read more about the Shoppach House and why it may also be called the Sadie Praytor House, on Encyclopedia of Arkansas. You can also read more in The Arkansas Historical Quarterly: “Arkansas Listings in the National Register of Historic Places: Sesquicentennial Sites: The Little Rock Arsenal Building, Shoppach House, and Old State House.”