Hannah – Page 2

Spring River Dam at Mammoth Spring State Park in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas

5+ Family Friendly Things To Do In Mammoth Spring

June 14, 2024

My parents got a divorce when I was a little girl. While it was a good thing for my parents, it was not something that was easy to handle – even in adulthood. My brother and I might have gotten two Christmas’s, but the “fun” of being a part of two households ended there and I dreaded Christmas time.

My dad’s entire life has been spent in Mammoth Spring. So, after the divorce, he stayed in the area and my mom moved away. Mammoth Spring has always been what I consider to be a small town with its own culture. Everyone knows each other because no one moved off after high school graduation, so gossip runs rampant (among the locals and only about the locals). Main Street was a traditional dying downtown that was in desperate need of restoration. And the worst part of my childhood in Mammoth was spending every single weekend on the Spring River. I literally hated the river, being in my swimsuit, and forced to “swim” or “play” in the river. All my childhood memories of the place were painted grey because of the divorce situation.

As an adult, though, things are very different. I only got to experience the environment that my dad created, which was not the best. So, I saw all the rough spots of the area and barely any of its good, attractive qualities. One of the only good spots we got to enjoy as kids was Mammoth Spring State Park, which was a gold mine for us kids! Now, I love going back to Mammoth just to enjoy how wonderful of a place it is to visit!

The Town of Mammoth Spring

Located on the border of Thayer, Missouri, Mammoth Spring is a very unique town. It offers an abundance of shopping, dining, and recreational activities for everyone in the family. Named after one of the world’s largest springs, Mammoth Spring (the spring) is known for its trout fishing.

Founded in 1883, a strategy to grow the town was created. So, the town was promoted to Memphis investors as a site for manufacturing operations, which would create industry, money, and new residents. During this time, Napoleon Hill, a Memphis millionaire, built an upscale resort hotel in Mammoth Spring. His hotel, The Nettleton, is said to have rivaled any hotel in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. It operated from 1899 to 1932, when the hotel was sadly destroyed by a fire and never rebuilt.

Since the town borders Missouri, they get a lot of traffic from travelers. While it is hard to miss the Arkansas Welcome Center and Mammoth Spring State Park, it is easy to miss the great things to do in town if you do not plan a day or weekend trip to stay and play. Listed below are some of Mammoth Spring’s most notable and family friendly reactional activities that are worth experiencing. While visiting these places and exploring Mammoth Spring, do not forget to go into town and enjoy their local dining options, shop the antique stores and boutiques, and take amazing family pictures (or selfies) in this nature-filled town.

Arkansas Welcome Center

Located at Mammoth Spring State Park, the Welcome Center is a great place to stop for brochures and information on places all over the state of Arkansas! They have a little gift shop inside if you need to pick something up on your visit. If you have your Arkansas Historic Preservation Program passport, you can get it stamped at the Welcome Center.

After browsing the Welcome Center, do not forget to take your journey outside to Mammoth Spring State Park.

Mammoth Spring State Park

Mammoth Spring is a National Natural Landmark, as it is the world’s 10th largest spring. The spring has nine million gallons of water that flow every hour. Mammoth Spring State Park consists of a 10-acre lake, remnants of a mill and hydroelectric plant, 1886 Frisco train depot and museum, walking trail, playground, picnic area, baseball field, Civil War cannon, Arkansas Welcome Center, and gift shop.

The 1886 Frisco Depot Museum is the oldest railroad station in the state and open to the public. Inside the museum, you’ll be transported back to the early 1900s, where custom-sculpted lifelike figures portray train passengers, crew, and depot crew. Located next to the museum is a Frisco caboose that is also open for tours.

Both the Mammoth Spring Dam and Lake and the Kansas City, Fort Scott, and Memphis Railroad Depot is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Not only can you get a stamp for your State Park passport but also your Arkansas Historic Preservation Program passport at the Welcome Center.

Mammoth Spring National Fish Hatchery

Established in 1903, Mammoth Spring NFS is one of the oldest National Fish Hatcheries in the country. They raise aquatic species for both conservation and recreation purposes. The Mammoth Spring National Fish Hatchery was built in this location due to the availability of the cool flowing water from Mammoth Spring. The hatchery offers an Aquatic Conservation Center and Aquarium for visitors to enjoy. Regular outreach events are offered for educational purposes.

The Spring River

If you are an outdoorsy person, then you will love Spring River! Since the river is fed by Mammoth Spring, it is a popular destination year-round due to its dependability. You can float, canoe, and/or kayak on the cold river that attracts people every year to camp, fish, swim, and play. There are several campgrounds and outfitters on the river that provide put-in/out service and transportation back to your vehicle. Stay the weekend and camp on the campgrounds, make new friends, party or keep your trip family friendly. In the right places, the river can offer swimming. But get proper guidance and information before getting out on the water, because Spring River has strong currents and can cause serious accidents if not careful.

Walnut Valley Farms

Walnut Valley Farms provides a unique farm experience to everyone who visits. They are a small family farm that specializes in pastured lamb. The family revitalized a 100-year-old farm that now hosts Spring Lamb Days and Christmas on the Farm, where you can hold baby lambs, get your picture taken with them, and shop local vendors. The farm is also available as a venue for events. Be sure to contact them if you want to learn more about sheep farming!

Jim Hinkle/Spring River State Fish Hatchery

The Jim Hinkle State Fish Hatchery produces more than 1 million rainbow trout every year. The trout are distributed in the Spring River, Blanchard Spring, Bull Shoals and Greers Ferry tailwaters, South Arkansas trout waters, and the Family and Community Fishing Program’s seasonal trout ponds. They are open for tours and host a kids fishing derby every year.

Have you ever visited Mammoth Spring or camped on the Spring River? Tell us about your trip!

Mary Ann Richter Overlook at Petit Jean State Park in Morrilton, Arkansas

Arkansas’s Most Popular (And First) State Park: Petit Jean State Park

June 12, 2024

My mom has always wanted to visit Petit Jean State Park. In all our adventures when I was a little girl, I am surprised my family had never visited. So, one day we just randomly decided to take off for Petit Jean the next morning!

Honestly, I do not understand why Petit Jean is such a popular tourist attraction. I understand that there are amazing scenic views, waterfalls, the geology is unique, and the mountain has much history. But I feel like everywhere has beauty, history, uniqueness, and can be a waterfall with the right runoff. Regardless, I did really enjoy our visit and learning about its history. It is a place that we intend to go back and visit again (and probably again). So, my lack of understanding its popularity is not going to keep us away from such a beautiful and bountiful state park.

What Makes Petit Jean State Park So Popular (Things to Do)

As Arkansas’s first state park, Petit Jean embodies everything that anyone could hope for in a state park. With less than 3,000 acres, there is plenty of history, hiking, lake activities, lodging, a restaurant, outdoor activities, scenic views, and more that entice people from all over the nation to visit. When Cedar Falls is flowing well, tourism peaks to see its beauty. Natural bridges, creeks, and unique rock formations can be found along the hiking trails.

The most renowned of all the waterfalls at this state park is Cedar Falls, which is on the front of most publications. Cascading 95-feet down over a rocky cliff, this waterfall is one of the most photographed in the state! If you are an experienced hiker, the trail down to the bottom of the falls is quite a rocky experience. For us lazy (or handicapped) people, there is a scenic overlook that consists of a long barrier free boardwalk that leads to an open viewing area. You can even hike down to the falls from this point, as well.

Unique geology and rock formations can be found along trails like Seven Hollows. If you are interested in pictographs, be sure to venture down the Rock House Cave Trail. For a short, easy hike through gigantic sandstone boulders, journey along Bear Cave Trail. On your way to Cedar Falls, take the long route on Cedar Creek Canyon Trail to see more falls and deep pools. Cedar Creek Trail is located above Cedar Falls and will guide you around the top of the waterfall. To see all the park’s nature and wildlife, you will have to be an experienced hiker to trek along the 12-mile Winthrop P. Rockefeller Boy Scout Trail. For a trail that connects park amenities with overlooks, grab a bike or hike the CCC Hike & Bike Trail.

YMCA College Lodge rock ruins at Stout's Point Overlook at Petit Jean State Park in Morrilton, Arkansas

Petit Jean Mountain rises 1,120 feet above the Arkansas River Valley. While no vantage point is any better than the other, the park does have many overlooks that provide a grand view over the valley. Stout’s Point is one of my favorites, as it provides the history of Petit Jean, her gravesite, a fantastic view of the Arkansas River and portion of the Trail of Tears route and has an old YMCA building at this site. A barrier free walkway guides you along the top of the overlook. However, the camp building and Petit Jean’s gravesite must be walked to on rocky ground. While there are other vantage points, the Mary Ann Richter Overlook is a great place to stop at to see Mount Nebo and Mount Magazine. Lastly, the Cedar Falls Overlook provides a barrier free walkway to see the famous Cedar Falls waterfall.

The state park has quite a bit of amenities for people to enjoy. They offer lodging in cabins, Mather Lodge, campsites, and yurts. Mather Lodge holds a lot of history, being the only lodge built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the entire state. Built of native log and stone, the Lodge sits on the bluffs overlooking Cedar Creek Canyon. The restaurant provides the perfect setting to enjoy the 1930s lodge and canyon views.

In addition to hiking, Petit Jean State Park is host to an airport, amphitheater, swimming pools, basketball and tennis court, playgrounds, and more! A boat launch ramp provides access to a lake where you can fish, kayak, and more.

Furthermore, the park is a certified Trail of Tears National Historic Trail Site. In the 1830s, Cherokee Indians and Southeastern tribes experienced a forced migration to Oklahoma along the Arkansas River. The Trail of Tears route included both land and river routes. River routes were often faster and the Arkansas River played an instrumental role in the Indian removal.

How Petit Jean Mountain Got Its Name

Petit Jean Mountain was named after Adrienne Dumont, a young 18th century French woman, who did not like being told no. When her fiancé, Chavet, set off to explore the Louisiana Territory in the New World, she decided to find a way to join him on his voyage. So, she cut her hair and disguised herself as a boy in order to find passage on his ship. The voyage was long and hard, and she was lucky to have survived being a lowly cabin boy. When they neared the mountain, the woman became gravely ill. In her helpless state, it was discovered that she was actually a woman. Her dying wish was to be buried high upon the mountain overlooking the river. Set to marry Adrienne when he returned from the New Worl,d Chavet’s love for her remains today in her burial site on the mountain top and in the naming of the mountain. She was buried under her name on the ship – Petit Jean (Little John).

However, there is much debate on this story being true or not. The preserved burial site is even debatable becuase no one knows anything about where she was actually buried or if she was even buried on top of the mountain. It was just a mound of dirt that we suppose is the site and has since been preserved. But the story is romantic in nature and it is nice to think that it is a true story.

Other theories about the mountain’s name include being named after a local hunter/trapper named Little John that was killed by the Osage Indians in 1732. Another theory on the name comes from the 19th century name for Petit Jean River – Petit Juane. So, whichever story you believe is entirely up to you!

Becoming An Arkansas State Park

Evidence suggests that Native American Indians inhabited the mountain 1,000 years ago. There is also evidence of 100 documented archeological sites and the largest rock art collection in the state. In the 1840s, the first permanent white settlers moved to the area. In 1891, a large mansion was built on the mountain overlooking the Arkansas River and was later converted into Hotel Petit Jean. The property was sold in the 1920s and donated to the Young Men’s Christian Academy. They built several more buildings, in which the rock ruins of the College Lodge can be seen at Stout’s Point Overlook.

In 1906, Dr. Thomas William Hardison explored the rugged area of Petit Jean Mountain and fell in love with its beauty. Pursuing making the mountain a national park, it was declined in 1921 because the land was too small and not unique enough in the United States to be a national park. It was suggested that the proposal be sent to the state to be declared a state park. So, in 1923, the state legislature passed Act 276, which recognized donated lands reserved to be a part of a park and designating Petit Jean as Arkansas’s first state park. In 1927, Act 172 created the Arkansas State Parks Commission and gave them the authority to acquire and oversee land to be reserved as a state park.

Beginning in 1933, the Civilian Conservation Corps began constructing facilities like roads, trails, dams, cabins, and Mather Lodge on Petit Jean Mountain. Much of the park’s infrastructure is due to the CCC, as they built most of the park’s significant buildings. The Lodge, administration building, water treatment building, field chimney, and cabins are an example of their work. Roads were constructed to connect overlooks and trails, giving visitors access to more amenities. Trails were constructed for public use and enjoyment through the mountain’s natural beauty. With less than 3,000 acres, Petit Jean offered plenty to see and do and the CCC made sure the public could enjoy all that could be offered. As a result of their efforts, 26 properties are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Today, there is ample camping, hiking, and things to do that makes visiting more than just a day trip.

Nearby Attractions

Just down the road from the campsite is the Museum of Automobiles and the petting zoo Barnyard Friends & Stables. Nearby, in the greater area, is Lake Dardanelle State Park and Mount Nebo State Park. Further away is Mount Magazine State Park and the highest point in the state.

Where is your favorite place to visit or hike at Petit Jean State Park?

Potts Inn Museum in Pottsville, Arkansas

Potts Inn Museum: Best Preserved Antebellum Stagecoach Station

June 10, 2024

Potts Inn Museum is known for being one of the Butterfield-Overland mail route’s best-preserved stagecoach stations between Fort Smith and Memphis. Built in the 1850s, it is a perfect example of antebellum architecture.

Potts Inn

The story of the Inn began with a young bachelor named Kirkbride Potts. Traveling from his home in Pennsylvania with two families of slaves, he settled south of the Arkansas River. After meeting, falling in love, and marrying Pamelia Logan, they moved to Pope County. The Potts started with a two-story log cabin that served as a family home and business location. With their 11 children and all the travelers stopping at the home, the Potts needed a new home that would better serve their family and business.

To earn the money needed to build a new home, Mr. Potts tried mining for gold during the Gold Rush in the 1840s. His first visit to California proved useless mining, but profitable to sell beef to the miners. Initial construction of their new home began in 1850 and took 8 years to complete.

John Butterfield started the Butterfield Stagecoach Line when the government needed a standard way to transport mail from coast to coast. The line served both the public and mail system. Potts Station was the only stop in Arkansas, which caused the construction of extra barns on the property for the stagecoaches, their horses, and equipment. The Butterfield-Overland mail route was so important to the country that it is registered as a National Historic Trail.

Over the course of the family’s history, the Potts house served many purposes, such as a post office, inn, tavern, and many other businesses. It played a role in the Civil War and is vital to our mail, as it was part of the Butterfield-Overland mail route. Several books have been written showcasing how important Potts Inn has been to our country. The town of Pottsville was even named after the Potts family.

Potts Inn Museum

Potts Inn housed the original family until 1970 when it was sold to Pope County and became a museum. Original log cabins were later moved to this location to house personal collections. The bank and pharmacy buildings were added to the museum, as well. The Pope County Historical Foundation now manages the property and does an excellent job.

A part of the Museum is the Citizens Bank Building and the Teeter Medical Collection (my favorite). These locations are typically only open during Butterfield Day. Both structures are located across the street from Potts Inn.

Some of the original windowpanes are still in place and the molds used to make the chimney’s bricks are preserved. The Inn houses original furniture and household items, as well as period furnishings and furniture donations. As a result, the Inn is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Butterfield Day

Every year, Potts Inn Museum in Pottsville is host to Butterfield Day. A celebration of being a stop on the Butterfield-Overland mail route, this day is filled with excitement, interesting collections, more museums, Civil War reenactors, antique car show, and so many more fun things to do! On any other day, Potts Inn is a museum with original and period furnishings.

Upon hearing about Butterfield Day and all the things they planned for the event, my mom, dog, and me organized a road trip to experience it for ourselves. Our itinerary for the day included Potts Inn in the morning and a state park afterward. And we might have stayed at Potts Inn too long because it was such a good event!

Our time at the event started with a browse through and lovely conversations with the vendors set up on the property. We then took a walk around the property and admired the antique cars in the show. Making our way in and out of the log structures was a unique experience. Each cabin showcased a different collection of unique items. We saw the trends of attire since 1870, hat collection, Indian artifacts, and a doll collection of all the First Lady’s dressed in a replica of their inaugural gowns (my mom’s favorite). A one room pioneer log cabin and barn were also open for tours.

The event hosted a regularly scheduled Civil War Reenactment that included information on rifles used during that period and canon shootings. Scattered throughout the property were more reenactors that were quite lovely. Stationed inside the Potts Inn, they gave information on the Potts family and their home.

The entire experience was well worth the drive to Pottsville! Potts Inn Museum is a must visit for anyone interested in history. Butterfield Day is the best time to visit, though. As their annual celebration day, admission is free, both the Citizens Bank Building and Teeter Medical Collection are open, tours are given on the property, Civil War reenactments occur all day, vendors of all sorts are set up, and an antique car show takes place. For more information on Potts Inn Museum, please visit their website.

Exploring Cave City As A Family

June 7, 2024

World famous for their watermelons, Cave City is a very unique town filled with friendly people and lots of fun. The town is located along Hwy 167 and gets a lot of traffic coming and going from Missouri. Despite being on a main highway that runs through the state, Cave City retains its small town charm. People who are constantly on the move will easily miss the charming aspects if they do not slow down and take the time to enjoy themselves.

History of Cave City

Cave City was established around 1890 when brothers John William Laman and James Andrew Laman moved to the area. Upon moving to the area, both were determined to create a new town. After building their homes and a few businesses, they encouraged other merchants to relocate to their town. The brothers began platting the land and donated parcels of land for churches and a school. Many families moved to the area in 1891 when their first school opened. In 1892, the nearest post office was physically moved to the town. Since then, the city has grown into one of the most famous small towns in Arkansas.

Known for having the sweetest melons in the state (although everyone says the “world”), Cave City is a town of less than 2,000 people. It was named after a large cave underneath part of the town. Before the township of Cave City, the cave was owned by the Horn family and known as Horn’s Cave. It was later purchased by Dr. G.T. Laman. In the 1930s, Hubert Carpenter purchased the cave and worked with C.P. Matlock to develop the grounds above it and add cabins, creating Cave Courts. Carpenter created a museum with the Indian relics he retrieved from the cave, which is maintained in the entrance hall. Cave Courts (aka Crystal River Cave Camp) is known as the oldest motor court in Arkansas.

The cave was not the only thing that attracted people to visit the town. Cave City has a long history of hosting revivals. These events were known as “meetings.” Whether it was a union meeting, tent meeting, or other meeting, it was where at least two churches would come together to have a revival at the same time and place. One of the town’s most notable revival was the holiness camp meeting that was held by the Nazarene Church every year.

This little town now offers a locally owned grocery store, shopping, dining, and attractions. What more could people need? How about a cave, the world’s sweetest watermelons, and a local ministerial alliance that hosts a revival every year?

Hometown Cooking

Cave City does not disappoint in having little restaurants that offer home cooked meals. Buttercup’s Kitchen makes every customer feel like they are walking into their family dinner. Bailey’s Family Restaurant relocated from Melbourne and offers a more modern dining option for the family without sacrificing a friendly welcome and warm atmosphere. Also, no trip to or through the town is complete without stopping by The Ozark Kitchen for homemade fried pies by the sweetest Mennonite twins!

Recreation

Cave City’s charm is not limited by the amount of recreational activities. Their city park offers a fishing pond, amphitheater for both small and large events, playgrounds, basketball and tennis court, horseshoe pit, walking trail, pavilions, and plenty of land to run and play! In town, there is a 90,000 gallon pool and splash pad that the town has offered since 1972. Just in front of their Welcome sign is the newest addition – a Veteran Memorial Park.

The city is currently working on a pocket park and green acres area, which will give the family more places to play, picnic, and host events.

Crystal River Cave

Crystal River Cave is named after Crystal River, the underground river that is located in the multi-room cave of which the beginning and ending has never been determined. During Cave City’s beginnings, the school’s drinking water was supplied by the cave. Many families even used it as a “town refrigerator,” storing their dairy and produce in the cave to keep them from spoiling.

Only open during the non-rainy season (~ fall months), Crystal River Cave offers limited tours due to it being managed only by the family. An older couple own the cave and require assistance during peak season. When they have enough assistance, the cave is open for special events like the Watermelon Festival. Keep a watch on their Facebook for tour information and be sure to call them for tour dates.

Antique Shopping

Whether you’re passing through or visiting for a while, don’t forget to stop by Red Door Antiques. This little store is located in an old garden nursery and is host to a cat that likes to lounge on a blanket on the couch after greeting you at the door. You’ll find antiques, new items, handmade items, clothes, and more inside this flea market.

Cave City Watermelon Festival

Every year, the town of Cave City celebrates their watermelon growers by having a Watermelon Festival. This three-day event is held at the end of watermelon season in July. No matter how hot it is outside or if it’s raining, people from all over the country come to town to enjoy the festivities and load their vehicle down with the world’s sweetest melons. This free festival hosts watermelon games, watermelon tasting, vendors, food trucks, concerts and more. You can find all the information on their website.

Even in its beginnings, Cave City has been known for their summer event. The earliest reference to their Fourth of July Picnic is in a Sharp County Record newspaper article that dates the picnic tradition starting in 1893. While the picnic brought large crowds from all over the country, it was not until 1980 that the tradition changed to the annual Watermelon Festival. Every year, the festival grows, adding more vendors, events, and attractions. People from all over the world are said to enjoy the festival. Since 1938, a Melon Grower’s Association has been organized for Independence and Sharp counties. So, watermelons have been a part of Cave City almost since the town’s establishment!

If you find yourself passing through Cave City, do not forget to stop to enjoy some of these charming aspects. You just might find yourself in the same position as people from other states – fall in love and move!

Our goal is to be the best version of Cave City that we can be, and everything we do is focused on that.

– Jonas Anderson, Mayor

What do you love most about this charming town?

Statue of Liberty War Memorial

June 5, 2024

Quite a while back, I saw a post on social media about all the Statue of Liberty replicas that were in Arkansas. I was completely fascinated and immediately saved the post for future reference. So, when mom and I made the trip to visit Crowley’s Ridge State Park and explore that area of the state, I jumped on the opportunity to see one of the replicas. Afterall, they were both in Paragould, so surely it would not be too out of our way.

I may or may not have been right about the replica not being too much distance to add to our itinerary, but it was definitely worth the trip! Crowley’s Ridge and the memorial are only about 25-30 minutes apart and really easy to find. Unfortunately, I forgot that there were two replicas in Paragould. So, we only stopped at this one, which made me entirely forget that other replicas exist in the state.

Traveling to the Statue of Liberty Memorial is really easy. Depending on where you are coming from, you should not have any trouble locating the site. If you know the area, then you can head straight to the Courthouse to experience the memorial. If you are like us and have never travelled to Paragould, just plug 320 W Court Street in your GPS and it will take you to the Courthouse without any problems. The Memorial is located at the corner of West Court and North Third Street, so it will be on a corner of the plot, which you will easily see from the road when you approach the location.

Located on the Greene County Courthouse grounds, the site was impeccably constructed. Seemingly in an odd place, it is understandable why Greene County residents chose the Courthouse grounds for their grand gesture to appreciate the county’s military residents. What was once a booming area of the city, the old downtown is just that – old. Paragould now thrives in other areas, where clusters of shopping and eateries have accumulated in a mix of both historic and modern architecture.

The Statue of Liberty War Memorial

Paragould is host to the county courthouse, in which the oldest replica of the Statue of Liberty in Arkansas resides. This war memorial even has the honor of being the oldest Statue of Liberty outside of the original lady in New York.

American Legion records 40 of the 476 Greene County military enlistees died while serving in World War I. The county residents wanted a way to honor and appreciate these men, as well as all those that served in the county. So, the public gathered together to decide on a memorial. A replica of the Statue of Liberty was chosen as the memorial’s centerpiece. Since a doughboy-style design had already been used in the Craighead County memorial located in Jonesboro, an entirely different design was curated by the neighboring Greene County.

In the early 1920s, Greene County residents raised $2,000 to create a respectable monument as a way to honor the county’s men who served and died in World War I. On November 11, 1924, the statue was lifted, and the memorial unveiled. Over 5,000 people were said to be in attendance for the event, which included a whole day of festivities, starting with a grand parade, community lunch hosted by the American Legion and United Daughters of the Confederacy, and more in honor of the memorial. Businesses closed for the day and the city was decorated for the event. The memorial was a proud gesture for the entire county to relish.

“This memorial is an outstanding page in the history of Greene County and an honor to those who gave their lives on foreign soil and a reminder to the gold star mothers and fathers that their sons died for a worthy cause,” serving “to keep the spirit before the children of the present and future generations and to do honor [to] those who made the supreme sacrifice.”
Speaker Harry L. Ponder, a former state senator

After World War II, two wings were added to the marble base of the memorial. One wing listed the names of casualties of the Great War and the other wing listed the seventy-eight county residents that served and died in World War II. On the backside of the wing are the names of other war casualties – 2 Korean War and 12 Vietnam.

Standing 7-foot tall, this bronze statue is one of four replicas in the state. She sits on a 6-foot marble base, making this a very impressive display and unique way to honor veterans. The memorial is known to be the only World War I sculptural memorial in Arkansas that is not the typical doughboy statue.

Located in a corner of the Greene County Courthouse lot, the little memorial park serves as a monument to World War I and World War II veterans. The creation of the park was very beautifully curated with adorned flower beds, appropriate lighting, sitting areas, and an amazingly constructed memorial to our war veterans.

Both the memorial and Greene County Courthouse are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Greene County Museum of Paragould Arkansas

While you are in Paragould, do not be like us and forget to stop by the Greene County Museum to see the second Statue of Liberty replica. This replica is just a statue located on the front lawn of the museum. While she is a very lovely replica, she does not hold the same value and grandeur as the War Memorial lady.

Located in the former home of Governor J. Marion Futrell, the museum opened in 2008 to the public. They are open on Friday and Saturday for a few hours, so be sure to get their information before making a trip to the museum. Filled with all kinds of history, the most interesting is their display of an 800-pound meteorite that landed in Paragould on February 17, 1930. This year is the 94^th anniversary of its crash landing.

While you are in the area, don’t forget to spend some time at Crowley’s Ridge State Park and Lake Frierson State Park.

Have you visited either of the Statue of Liberty replicas in Paragould? Tell us about it!

Toltec Mounds Archeological State Park in Scott, Arkansas

How Toltec Mounds Became Plum Bayou Mounds Archeological State Park

June 3, 2024

In case anyone is wondering, Toltec Mounds Archeological State Park is no more. For quite a long time, there have been discussions and arguments over the park’s name. Apparently, the park was named after the wrong Indian tribe and some people have been fighting to restore honor to the tribe that once occupied the land. The concern was that the park has always been named Toltec and all media publications were printed under this name. Another concern was that the occupying tribe’s name is actually unknown to archaeologists. Regardless of the concerns, the site needed to honor and respect the Native American Indians that built the mounds. So, the state consulted with the Quapaw Nation and Arkansas Archaeological Survey to finally agree on changing the name to reflect the tribe who supposedly occupied the area and created the mounds.

So how did the Plum Bayou Mounds acquire the wrong name in the first place?

From 1857 to 1990, Mrs. Gilbert Knapp owned the land that contained the mounds. Initially, the mounds were named after her – the Knapp Mounds – but an official name was quickly created. From the beginning of her ownership, she always thought that the Toltec Indians of Mexico were responsible for building the mounds. However, Mrs. Knapp’s interest in archaeology of the mounds started an investigation on the property in 1883 by Edward Palmer, a field investigator for the Bureau of Ethnology of the Smithsonian Institution. Palmer excavated in eight of the mounds and his findings proved Mrs. Knapp’s idea wrong. According to the findings, archaeologists believe the North American Indian ancestors were the ones who built the mounds. Since their name was unknown, archaeologists decided to name the tribe after a nearby stream – the Plum Bayou Indians.

For quite some time, the area was known as the Toltec Mounds. Continual debate over changing the name pursued. Some thought it would be too much trouble to change everything while others wanted to recognize and honor the actual occupants of the land. The Toltec Mounds remained until November 2022, when they officially renamed the state park after its actual occupants. Yet, people have to be careful when talking about Plum Bayou because it can still be confusing to those who did not get the memo that the Toltec Mounds had a name change.

Plum Bayou Indians

The Plum Bayou Indians (or whatever their tribe’s name actually was) were highly intelligent people whose culture was very distinct from other tribes. They created an entire way of life around the sun and its rotation around the earth. They knew a mathematical system way beyond a lot of people’s understanding, or at least my understanding.

While Plum Bayou mounds are found across the entire state, they specifically occupied this land from about 650 to 1050 BC. They built 18 mounds next to an oxbow lake, which served as a port of water transportation. A 10-foot-high and 1-mile-long earthen embankment wall was built to surround the mounds and protect its occupants. The mounds were created for social, religious, and political activities. Only one mound is said to have been used for burial purposes. The mounds’ locations were strategically placed based on the alignment of solar positions. Standardized units of measurement were used to determine the spacing of each mound.

While its small community here was made up of mainly religious and political leaders, the site was a central waypoint and destination for many Native American Indians. Their location was strategically placed near the water, which many people used for travel purposes. Whether traveling by land or water, Indians from the other Plum Bayou mounds in the state would make the trek to Plum Bayou for religious purposes, political issues, and ceremonial purposes. Considering the size of Little Rock, this site’s traffic was much larger in its prime, as it served as the culture’s center point for such activities.

A Change of Times

In the 1400s, a different Native American Indian tribe occupied the land for a short time. Much later in time, the land became farmland for settlers. In 1977, consistent archaeological research began at the mounds and still continues today. Even after 135 years of farming on the mound site, there is still plenty of evidence of its Native American history. Fortunately, erosion and farming have not washed away the mounds, as clear evidence of them remains.

Visiting The Mounds

Plum Bayou is unique in that it is 1 of 4 National Historic Landmarks in the state park system. In 1978, the site was dedicated as a National Historic Landmark. For over a hundred years, the mound site has attracted national interest from tourists and archaeologists. Probably rightfully so because this park interprets the largest and most complex mound site in the entire state!

Inside the Visitor Center is a unique collection of artifacts and animal bones, and information about the archaeological excavations. Unfortunately, the findings from the first excavation in 1882-1883 are not on display here. You can see these artifacts at the Smithsonian Institute.

For the history buffs, there is a complete timeline of occupants of the area. You can even read about Palmer’s descriptions of his excavations in Report on the Mound Explorations of the Bureau of Ethnology, published in 1894 by Cyrus Thomas. If science or math is more interesting, then you will enjoy learning about how the mounds were formed and which was used for what purpose. Perhaps art is your thing, and you will enjoy the sketches drawn in 1883 by Henry J. Lewis of the mounds by Palmer’s descriptions.

The only barrier free trail at this location is Knapp Trail, which will lead you through the prehistoric Indian site to 3 of the 18 mounds. Be prepared, though, because the trail can be very hot in summer heat as there is no shade. There is also a guided tour that educates people about the Native American Indians that occupied the land and built the mounds over a thousand years ago.

So, next time you are in the Little Rock area, be sure to drive out to this unique piece of history that archaeologists are still trying to understand. While there are plenty of mounds to see, it is important to know that a lot of walking can be involved to see them all up close.

What was your favorite part of the mounds when you visited?

Life-size replica of a Boeing B-17F Flying Fortress that crashed during WWII at Sheridan, Arkansas

Actual Crash Site of A Boeing B-17F Flying Fortress

May 31, 2024

If you are ever in the Little Rock/Sheridan area, the B-17 Memorial Park is a great roadside veteran memorial worth visiting! Located in the middle of what seems like nowhere is the most pristine and memorial site. Since my mom and I enjoy visiting veteran and memorial parks, we have certainly visited a plethora all over the country in our travels. Yet, we were extremely impressed with how well-constructed and well maintained this park was, especially since its location being so far off the main highway.

Located about five miles north of Sheridan, B-17 Memorial Park is the work of a very determined group of individuals that wanted to preserve a moment in history. The park is unique from other veteran memorials as it is the actual crash site of the Boeing B-17F Flying Fortress in 1943. Thus, why it is located in the middle of a field and back off the road a couple miles.

The story behind the crash is nothing fancy, but certainly warranted quite the investigation. Apparently, the B-17 bomber was based in Smoky Hill Airfield in Salina, Kansas. It was set to depart from Kansas, head to Morrison Field in West Palm Beach, Florida, and then make its way to Europe to help fight in World War II. The bomber departed Kansas on March 12, 1943, and headed toward Florida. While enroute to Florida, the nine airmen aboard experienced the bomber violently vibrating. When the crew encountered a thunderstorm, the pilot was forced to decide to turn back around toward Kansas or make an emergency landing in Little Rock, Arkansas. When their flight path was changed toward Little Rock, one of the bomber’s engines caught fire and explored in mid-air. As a result, the crew lost their lives and the remaining pieces of the bomber crashed in a wooded area at the park’s location. It took less than three hours of total flight time for this unfortunate ending.

Apparently, a military investigation found service records on the bomber that reported this particular B-17 had significant mechanical problems. Two engines had been replaced a couple weeks earlier and two other engines were scheduled to be replaced. Such problems were known to cause failure and a high possibility of crashing, which resulted in it being condemned for flight to Florida by the United States Army.

Yet, the base was eager to catch up with the previously deployed squadron that had left for combat in the war. So, the fateful decision was made to have nine airmen fly it to Florida for repairs, even with the current mechanical problems. Afterward, they were to fly to Europe and reunite with the rest of their squadron. Unfortunately, this decision resulted in a loss of a bomber and nine men, some of which had a family waiting for them at home. While another B-17 could be sent across the ocean, a person’s life can never be replaced.

The military investigation placed a lot of blame for the crash on the pilot and the thunderstorm. It is still unknown, and probably hard to determine, if the crew knew about the condemnation of the bomber or not. However, family members of some of the airmen did report that conversations weeks before the flight expressed concerns and fears that mechanical problems would result in their deaths.

A year later, a stone memorial marker was erected on March 10, 1944, at the crash site in memory of the nine airmen aboard the B-17 bomber. Over time, the marker had been forgotten about and nature had started to cover up the marker. With the forgotten and lost marker, memory of the crash had even become forgotten.

Forty years later, Jerry Jackson and his father stumbled upon the marker while walking in the woods. Jerry was so moved by the memorial and its historical significance that he made it a part of his Eagle Scout project to restore the marker. He was still working with the Grant County Museum to restore the memorial and crash site when he died in a car accident in 1986 at the age of sixteen. The project that he started was continued by the American Legion in collaboration with other volunteers and sponsors.

On October 12, 2015, the B-17 Veterans Memorial Park was opened. It was constructed to honor the crew of the Boeing B-17F Flying Fortress, but the county wanted to honor all local military personnel that died in war. So, the memorial also honors Civil War veterans killed at the Battle of Jenkins Ferry, and those killed in action in World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and American veterans of the past and present.

WWII B-17 Crash Site at B-17 Memorial Park in Sheridan, Arkansas

Very well designed, constructed, and maintained, this park seems to be out of place in the middle of a field. Upon entering the park, you are greeted with the original memorial marker. Attached to the other side of it is a plaque that honors Jerry Jackson for his passion, determination, and dedication to restore the area in memory of those who lost their lives in war. In the center of the park is a life-size replica of a B-17 bomber that is quite fascinating. “Dummy” personnel were placed inside to give a better representation of its use and make it more life-like. Around the bomber is a very lovely short walking trail with informational plaques and an audio tour that is available to learn more information on the crash and the airmen. You can listen online at Sheridan B17 Memorial Park – Sheridan B17 Memorial Park (stqry.app).

At the back of the park is a black granite wall containing the names and information of the airmen in the crash. Dedications and speeches are held here in honor and respect of our military personnel, as well as other events. American and military flags line the bomber fencing and surround the memorial park, showcasing an ambience for honoring our military. Off to the rear side of the park is a pavilion with a little picnic area, which is the perfect place to celebrate a veteran’s birthday or special event.

The B-17 Memorial Park is quite an experience. It is both family friendly and pet friendly – please just clean up after yourselves and your animals. The American Legion, Daughters of the American Revolution, and all the other collaborators and sponsors certainly did a fantastic job at erecting a worthy memorial to the nine airmen and all our fallen soldiers.

The Boeing B-17F Flying Fortress crew:

Second Lieutenant George Davis (pilot)

Second Lieutenant Robert Turchette (co-pilot)

Second Lieutenant Leo E. Dolan (navigator)

Second Lieutenant Phillip Niewolak (bombardier)

Technical Sergeant Dewitt Tyler (engineer)

Technical Sergeant Peter Ivanovich (radio operator)

Staff Sergeant Arthur Potter (waist gunner)

Staff Sergeant David Secorski (ball turret gunner)

Staff Sergeant Kenneth Cain (tail gunner)

What was your impression of the memorial when you visited?

Fitzhugh Park and Fitzhugh Cemetery in Batesville, Arkansas

7+ Historic Places To Visit In Batesville

May 30, 2024

Batesville is the second oldest municipality in Arkansas. The city’s recorded history can be traced back to 1804, but its history is probably much older. Due to Batesville’s unique location next to the White River and Polk Bayou, the area was an important port on the river. The port resulted in the area playing a role in settling the Ozark Mountain region.

A settlement around the port was quickly established by James Woodson Bates, and businesses were built to supply the needs of the people traveling by water. As the settlement grew, a post office was established in 1820. The land around the port was surveyed and named Batesville, after Mr. Bates who was also Arkansas’s first territorial delegate to the Congress of the United States.

By 1821, the city was partially laid out. A bill of assurance was recorded the next year along with laying out the town’s plat. Batesville soon became the county seat and the location of the county court. It did not take long for thousands of pioneers to make the trek across the state on the Southwest Trail, a major emigration route during this time, and settle in the city, causing it to grow even more. So, in 1836, Governor Conway incorporated the state’s first academy – Batesville Academy.

Even though Batesville was growing and seemingly thriving, the 1830s saw very sad days in Arkansas. In the early 1830s, the area experienced the Choctaw removal along the Trail of Tears. Both the Southwest Trail and Trail of Tears are a part of Batesville’s history. Their historical significance is so great that they are a part of the Arkansas Heritage Trails System.

Years later, the Civil War began, and Batesville became a strategic location for troops due to its river port. The city served as the headquarters for both the Confederacy and the Union. When the troops moved through the area during the second phase of the Pea Ridge Campaign, the city experienced no damage. Other areas experienced destruction from the troops and war, so Batesville was extremely lucky. As a result, Batesville’s residential architecture provides examples from every decade since the 1840s. In addition, the Victorian era brought many new styles of homes to the area. The remaining Victorian homes form Batesville’s historic downtown district, with the Maxfield-Garrott House being the oldest. Many buildings and homes in the historic district are on the National Register of Historic Places. Some owners have even rennovated to create an Airbnb in a portion of their historic home.

For more than 70 years, river transportation was a vital part of the region. In the early 1900s, the federal government began erecting lock-and-dams along the river. However, the railroad era was in full swing, and the completion of the railroad ended the steamboat era. By the time the railroad had been constructed through Batesville, only 3 of the planned 10 lock-and-dams had been constructed. The most prominent of the three is Lock and Dam No. 1, which resides along Riverside Park and The River restaurant.

Rich in history, much of the city’s history still stands. A lot of Batesville’s original residential and commercial properties have been restored, which make up the downtown area. Below is a list to get you started on a tour downtown, but is certainly not comprehensive, as Batesville’s history is so vast. For example, did you know that Batesville had its own minor league baseball team from 1940 to 1941?

Charles L. Thompson’s architecture

Charles Louis Thompson (1868-1959) was one of the most known architects in Arkansas. His firm designed thousands of buildings, of which many are still standing today. His company’s work was very versatile, encompassing a wide range of structure types from small and functional to grand and luxurious. Batesville contains four of his buildings that are on the National Register of Historic Places – Adler house (1915), St. Paul’s Parish Church (1916), Mitchell house (1917), and the Dowdy Building (1918).

Historic District

East Main Street and East College Street are lined with original Victorian homes that are on the National Register of Historic Places. Historical markers can be found on East College Street that give information dating back to the Civil War. Downtown Main Street is the Commercial District, which contains original businesses that have been restored or are still being restored. One business, Landers Theater (1906, Gem Opera House), has since been converted to a church.

Batesville Confederate Monument

Located on Main Street, this limestone monument stands 20 feet tall. In 1907, the monument was placed on the Courthouse lawn by the United Daughters of the Confederacy.

Independence County Courthouse

Located on the same plot as Batesville’s Confederate Monument is the Independence County Courthouse. It has previously been the site of three county courthouses. The first was built in 1857, but was destroyed by a fire in the 1880s. A Gothic style structure replaced the burned courthouse. In 1940, an Art Deco style building was constructed with a marble exterior. The last construction remains as a grand building on Main Street.

Old Independence Regional Museum

The National Guard Armory was built in 1936 with Gothic Revival and Art Deco architectural features. After the National Guard vacated the facility in 1976, it sat vacant until 1998 when it was donated and turned into the Old Independence Regional Museum. They are open to the public Tuesday-Saturday 9am-5pm. The museum has a unique gift shop, offers a lot of events, and is the place to go if you want to know any kind of local and/or statewide history, as they preserve every bit of history as possible.

First Presbyterian Church

Completed in 1849, this structure is known as the original Arkansas College. Although, history goes back a little farther because it was initially constructed as an academy for children in 1853 by the Presbyterian Church. In 1871, a high school was added, and a college was added the next year. In 1954, Arkansas College moved to a new location and later changed its name to Lyon College. First Presbyterian Church still owns the property and remains an active church and congregation.

Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church

Not only is Bethel AME the oldest church in Batesville, but it is also the home of the first black congregation in the city. The church and its congregation are still active.

In the past decade, Bethel loaned their church kitchen to Batesville’s soup kitchen, Our Father’s Table, when they were first being formed. Our Father’s Table’s kitchen ministry began out of Bethel’s kitchen and they have since grown into a different facility and their own office space.

Which of these places is your favorite architecture or history?

Mount Magazine State Park in Paris, Arkansas

Highpoint Monument At Mount Magazine State Park

May 29, 2024

My mom, dog, and I took a long road trip to Paris, Arkansas just to visit Mount Magazine State Park. Unfortunately, we arrived late in the evening and had to rush through the Visitor Center. While we still had plenty of daylight left, we certainly enjoyed the trip outdoors at the vantage points and the Lodge.

We started our trip to the mountain in awe of the scenic spots. After quickly browsing the gift shop, we started our way toward the hike up the rest of the mountain. A very nice gentleman at the Visitor Center’s desk helped us navigate to the Signal Hill Trail and even showed us the shortest trek to the top, which we were very thankful! It was either a 1.4 mile hike for two very tired and not up to the distance boring people or a short 0.4 mile hike that starts at a campground higher up the mountain. Thankfully, some poor soul took pity on those who did not want to hike that much just to be at that elevation and created a cutoff as close to the top as possible. This was surely progressive thinking and foresight for us lazy people!

Signal Hill Trail Hike

After finding the campground that resides closest to the top of the mountain, we made our way across the street and onto the hiking trail. The hike was quiet and entirely uphill – 153 feet uphill, to be exact. My mom quickly learned on this hike to find a steady pace and not put all her effort in at the beginning of the trail no matter what it looks like. On the other hand, Coco Puffs (my dog) had the time of her life! I have no idea why she likes rocky ground, hills, and forests so much, but it might have been due to the wildlife that Mount Magazine is home to. The state park is home to black bears, as well as smaller mammals and critters. Thankfully, we avoided wildlife, poison ivy, and all the things that are just not fun to run into, especially with an overly curious dog.

It did not take us too long to reach the top of Signal Hill Trail. I am not sure what I was thinking, but my expectations created a moment of disappointment. If you expect to have a vantage point at the top, you will be just as disappointed as me. At the top of Signal Hill Trail was a small, cleared area with a couple benches, logbook, information sign, and a large stone Arkansas map. Surrounding the area was a vast forest of trees, plants, and wildlife. There are no views of the surrounding landscape, so do not get excited about seeing the view from the top. However, despite our disappointment in there not being a scenic view, we were very pleased and fulfilled. It is something that I recommend everyone who visits does on their trip to this state park.

This Arkansas map is known as a highpoint monument. Constructed in 2003, it is made from approximately 400 square feet of stone and mortar. Signal Hill information states that the map shows the six natural regions of the state by the stones that were chosen to reflect each region’s topography. Yet, my mom and I never figured out where the divisions were on the map. There were no clear distinctions to us (we are pretty unknowledgable about stones and topography), but we were able to estimate the regions.

If you are going to take pictures of the whole map, I highly suggest *cough*not*cough* standing on one of the benches and zooming out on your phone or camera. The map is quite large for a normal shot. I also suggest not taking selfies and having someone take a picture of you and the map, if you want the whole map in your picture.

Highpoint Monument

Signal Hill is known as the tallest point in Arkansas. With an elevation of 2,753 feet above Mean Sea Level, Mount Magazine is ranked 34^th among state highpoints in the county. It is said that you can see as much as 1/8th of Arkansas at vantage points along the mountain’s rim on clear days. On foggy mornings, Mount Magazine can look as if it is an “Island in the Sky.”

The high point on Mount Magazine is reported to be higher than any point in 11 states (AL, IL, IN, IA, LA, MI, MN, MS, MO, OH, WI). There’s two ways you can hike to its highest point – hike the whole trail or drive up the hill, park, and take a short hike the rest of the way. If you follow in our footsteps and take the short cut, you will not be disappointed. Regardless of which trail you hike, when you reach the top and take your selfies, you will leave with a sense of pride and accomplishment. Hiking to a state highpoint is just a neat experience worth doing.

Mount Magazine State Park

Its breathtaking views, renown lodge, and bountiful outdoor recreation make this state park a highly desired tourist attraction. Located in the Ozark-St. Francis National Forest, Mount Magazine State Park offers backpacking, mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding, and ATV riding. It is the state park system’s most dramatic location for technical rock climbing. Some hiking trails border cliffs, so knowing how to rock climb can be a very good skill to have when visiting. Also, it is one of two parks that offer a hang-gliding launch area. While I am not brave enough for that, I can see how attractive hang-gliding would be just for the scenic view.

The Lodge at Mount Magazine offers breathtaking views, first-class facilities, a restaurant, and plenty of amenities. Its beautiful mountain setting makes it the ideal location for weddings, retreats, and corporate events. The backside of the Lodge offers plenty of walking, sitting areas, and sweeping views across the state’s landscape. The Lodge’s restaurant offers amazing food, which I think the view across Arkansas could easily persuade someone to fall in love with everything the Lodge has to offer. Mount Magazine is definitely a place for both relaxation and adventure.

Mount Magazine State Park has plenty of things to experience, but the view from vantage points and the Lodge warrants a long stay. Just down the mountain is Paris, which boasts its own points of interest to keep you busy for days. And on the other side of Paris is Subiaco and the Monastery that offers tours, a gift shop, and free lodging.

What is your favorite thing to do at Mount Magazine State Park?