Historic Dyess Colony: Johnny Cash Boyhood Home

The Johnny Cash Boyhood Home.

Discover the Roots of an American Legend

The Historic Dyess Colony: Johnny Cash Boyhood Home is an Arkansas State University Heritage Site that allows visitors to explore the history and culture of northeast Arkansas and its influence on the legendary Johnny Cash. We offer guided tours for individuals, groups, and classes to inspire curiosity and foster learning about this piece of American history.

 

 

The porch of the Johnny Cash Boyhood Home.
Experience the Historic Dyess Colony through guided tours of the Johnny Cash Boyhood Home, our visitors center, and an optional combined tour with the Southern Tenant Farmers Museum.
A sign with information about the history of the Dyess Colony.
Explore the story of the Dyess Colony, discover the early roots of Johnny Cash, and learn how these historic sites have been carefully restored for future generations.
A tour guide giving a tour of the Johnny Cash Boyhood Home.
Find a variety of K-12 educational resources on Arkansas history, including field trips, free classroom activities, and additional materials available for purchase.

Events

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September 19
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Sunken Lands Songwriting Circle — September 19, 2026

Join us for the fourth annual Sunken Lands Songwriting Circle, featuring musicians Rosanne Cash, Ruthie Foster, Rhett Miller, and John Leventhal. All proceeds benefit ongoing preservation and operation of the Historic Dyess Colony: Johnny Cash Boyhood Home.

Learn More

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Hours of Operation

We are open Monday – Saturday from 9:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M.

Tours of the house are given on the hour.

 

 

Donations help keep us going by providing support for operations, events, and more.
Have questions or concerns? Reach out to us to learn more.

 

Great River Road All-American Road Interpretive Center

We are an Interpretive Center on the Great River Road All-American Road, which is a network of nearly 100 museums and historic sites showcasing stories from Lake Itasca, MN, to the Gulf of Mexico.

Learn more about Interpretive Centers.

A special thank you to our Multi-Platinum sponsor: Judd Hill Foundation, and Platinum sponsors: Jonesboro A & P Commission, Molly & Sam Jackson.