The Conway-Johnson family dominated Arkansas politics from territorial days until the American Civil War.

James Sevier Conway was the first governor of Arkansas, serving from 1836 to 1840.

He began many basic state programs, such as banks, roads, and prisons.

Several other prominent figures in early Arkansas politics were buried in the cemetery, including U.S.

After receiving listing on the National Register of Historic Places two years later, the cemetery was given to the Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism on March 27, 1984.