Arkansas State University has acquired an antebellum house in Chicot County so that the historical building could be saved.

Preservation specialists researched on what should be done to save the Lycurgus Johnson House on the Lakeport Plantation, the 143-year-old structure, from going to ruin.

The Sam Angel family, the plantation owners, decided to donate it to ASU, putting it under public ownership to best benefit the property, according to Dr. Ruth Hawkins, ASU's museum director.

Students and faculty alike will benefit. The acquisition of the plantation will enhance the doctoral program in Inheritance Studies as it will offer internships, field experience and research of the property.

It will allow a closer look into the agricultural history of the Arkansas Delta. It will offer opportunities for archeological study, research for history classes, photo options for photography classes and project assignments for public relations classes to devise a marketing plan for developing it into a museum.

ASU is acquiring more than a run down building; it's acquiring another piece of history, waiting to be researched.