In the heart of Arkansas lies a piece of American music history – the boyhood home of Johnny Cash in Dyess. This restored museum, operated by Arkansas State University, offers visitors a glimpse into the early life of the Man in Black. The Cash family moved to Dyess Colony in March 1935, when Johnny was just three years old, as part of a New Deal agricultural resettlement program.
The Cash family’s life in Dyess Colony
Moving to Dyess Colony
Dyess Colony, established in 1934, was a federal government initiative to provide opportunities for struggling farmers during the Great Depression. The Cash family was among the beneficiaries, receiving a modest 5-room house and 20 acres of farmland. This New Deal program aimed to revitalize rural communities through agriculture and education.
Growing up in Dyess
Johnny Cash called Dyess home from 1935 until his high school graduation in 1950. Life in the Mississippi County colony was far from easy. The Cash family faced numerous hardships, including devastating floods that would later inspire Johnny’s hit song “Five Feet High and Rising”. Tragedy struck in 1944 with the death of Johnny’s brother Jack in a sawmill accident, a loss that profoundly altered the future music legend.
Preserving Johnny Cash’s legacy: The restored home and museum
Restoration and museum creation
Arkansas State University acquired the Cash family home in 2011, opening it as a museum in 2014. The restoration process was a labor of love, with Johnny’s siblings Joanne and Tommy providing invaluable input to ensure authenticity. Annual music festivals played a crucial role in funding the restoration efforts. As a travel enthusiast from Malvern, Arkansas, Many consider it inspiring to see how tourism can contribute to preserving our state’s rich cultural heritage.
Visitor experience
Today, the museum offers a vivid snapshot of 1930s rural life. Original furnishings, including Carrie Cash’s piano, transport visitors back in time. The site encompasses both the Cash home and the restored Dyess Colony Administration Building, which houses exhibits on colony history and Johnny Cash’s life. Tours begin at the Visitors Center in the renovated Dyess Theatre building. Open Monday through Saturday, admission fees range from $10 to $20.
For history buffs and music lovers alike, the Johnny Cash boyhood home is a must-visit destination. It’s a testament to the enduring legacy of American music and the resilience of rural communities during challenging times. While studying Arkansas’s cultural landmarks, consider also discovering the essentials of Arkansas elk viewing for a well-rounded Natural State experience.
- The Cash home was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2018
- Future plans include recreating other farmstead buildings on the property
As an Pioneering Media major with a passion for storytelling, One could argue the preservation of Johnny Cash’s childhood home to be a powerful example of how we can keep our cultural history alive for future generations.
