Introduction

The museum is located in the historic Rush-Gates Home which was built in 1906 by Dr. J.O. Rush. Dr. Rush was a railroad doctor who designed his home to accommodate hospital beds and medical equipment to care for his patients who were dropped off by the trains.

In 1995 the building became county property. In 2005 the renovations were finished and the 7000 square foot museum now gives tours year round and runs on donations.

Dr. Rush

Dr. Rush was a collector as well as a reknown doctor. He would make house calls around the county and often the patients wouldn't have the money to pay. Dr. Rush would accept other artifacts for payment. Over 57 years, he collected more than 3700 pieces of pre-historic, Indian, Civil War, South Pacific, Incan and other interesting items.

Dr. Rush also bought one of the first cars in the county, a Ford, and established the first Ford dealership there.

He was known and loved by the community and his wife and three daughters. He passed away in Forrest City in 1961.