ADA Arkansas

Herman Davis Memorial State Park in Manila, Arkansas

Herman Davis: Arkansas’s Most Decorated WWI Hero

June 26, 2024

The state’s most decorated World War I hero resides in Manila, Arkansas. Private Herman Davis is known for independently taking out a German gun nest (~31 Germans) one by one, saving his company from their open fire. Receiving three medals for this act of bravery, he was listed as 4^th out of 100 on General John J. Pershing’s list of the greatest heroes of World War I.

An out-of-the-way trip for us to visit the Herman Davis Memorial State Park was a neat experience. Manila might be a small town, but it offers a great deal of attractions for a variety of people. The highlight of our trip was learning about Manila’s war hero and his interestingly humble character at the state park.

If you have a chance to visit Manila, do not miss out on their other attractions! You will learn so much about Herman Davis and enjoy the museum. The town is easy to navigate and downtown is fun with their military themed street names.

Manila

Big Lake Island was founded in 1852. In the late 1860s, John Needham established a herdsman camp in this area of the Arkansas Delta region. A community developed in the area thirty years later. In 1901, the community incorporated themselves as a city. The name “Manila” was chosen to honor Commodore George Dewey and his victory in the 1898 Battle of Manila Bay in the Philippines during the Spanish-American War.

The railroad in the surrounding areas extended a rail line to the city soon after. In 1910, the railroad constructed the Manila Depot, which now serves as a museum and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 1925, the city established a memorial for Herman Davis and his heroism during World War I.

A total area of 3.8 square miles, Manila is just south of the Arkansas-Missouri state line. Even with less than a population of 4,000 people, this little town boasts a museum, state park, war memorial, national wildlife refuge, water park, municipal airport, and a country club. The town honors its military connections by naming their downtown streets after battleships in the Battle of Manila. Manila is also known for forming the state’s first Boy Scout troop. However, one of its main attractions is Herman Davis Memorial State Park.

Herman Davis

Growing up in a large wildlife and hunting area, Herman Davis learned to hunt at an early age. His family supplemented their income with farming, fishing, and hunting. After the fourth grade, he quit school to help support his family. Supposedly in his teens, Davis became a hunting guide. Killing almost 400 ducks a day, they were sold and shipped to northern markets.

In 1918, Davis was drafted into the United States Army during World War I. Being 5’3” and having a small frame, he was quick on his feet. As a result, he was assigned as a scout and a runner. Due to his marksmanship while hunting as a child, he also became a sharpshooter in the military. After 90 days of training, he was sent to France to fight in the war.

Being a scout, Davis was required to go out ahead of his company. On one patrol near Verdum, his platoon encountered shots from a German machine gun. Davis crawled on the ground to within fifty yards of the machine gun and killed four German gunners. Another time was when Davis killed five German soldiers as they were trying to set up a machine gun.

Davis’s most notable act of bravery was when a different German machine gun opened fire on the American forces. Davis and another scout climbed the ridge to spot the German gun nest. Leaving the other scout behind, Davis crawled on his belly through the brush to about 50 yards away from the gun. He took aim on the gunner and then took out each German one at a time. He independently killed 15 gunners in the machine gun nest and 11 German soldiers that were climbing out of a dugout. This act of bravery earned him three medals.

Honorably discharged in 1919, Herman Davis is Arkansas’ most decorated World War I hero. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross by the United States, and Croix de Guerre with Palm, Croix de Guerre with Gilt Star, and French Medaille Militaire by France.

Returning home to Manila, Davis began working at a hunting club. He was very humble and never told anyone about his acts of bravery in the military. As a scout, he encountered poison gas many times. Unfortunately, in 1922, his health took a decline. The exposure to poison gas caused him to develop tuberculosis. Members of the American Legion in Blytheville transported him to the Memphis Veteran’s Hospital for surgery. Sadly, Davis died during an operation in 1923. After four years of returning home, the poison gas had affected his lungs to the point of death.

“To raise funds to pay the debt from World War I, the Secretary of War asked General Pershing for the top 100 war stories. When the stories were published, Arkansans were suprised to find a small, quiet man on the list, Private Herman Davis of Manila, Arkansas.”
Herman Davis, Reluctant Hero

Upon his death, local groups began a collection to honor his memory and service. His mom chose Manila to honor his memory. In 1925, the town of Manila donated land for the memorial. They moved his body there to be interred at the monument’s base. A granite monument was erected and a life-size marble statue that was made in Italy stands on top of the monument. In 1995, the monument was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Did you know any of this about Private Herman Davis, World War I, or Manila?

Jacob Wolf House Histoic Site Territorial Courthouse in Norfork, Arkansas

Jacob Wolf House: Last Remaining Two-Story Dogtrot Public Structure In The United States

June 17, 2024

Since our road trips across Arkansas are sporadic and random, we often encounter a lot of the same history and relationships to other sites in the state. Our state has a deep connection with Native American history, so it is understandable that we would learn different aspects of the same history at each state park we visit. But learning about the same architecture is a little different.

Davidsonville’s Comparison

We first learned about the Jacob Wolf House at Davidsonville Historic State Park. Davidsonville is considered a ghost town, as the town has since been deserted. Archeological excavations piece together the history of life in this town. A few structures were recreated in the same place they were in old Davidsonville. Only the steel beams make up the structures, but you easily get the idea of the entire building.

Archeological excavations of one of the structures found quite a few similarities between it and the Jacob Wolf House. It was discovered that the foundation of a private residence (also a post office) was made of a massive limestone that would have been used to support a two-story log building. It is assumed that this residence was built in a dogtrot style with a breezeway in the middle of the first floor. This discovery and assumption were compared to the Wolf residence because it was built the same way. However, my assumption is that the Davidsonville residence was built a decade before or about the same time as the Wolf residence.

Branson Waypoint

After seeing the Jacob Wolf House mentioned at a couple other places, it was definitely put on our To-Visit list! Even our local museum had a lot of information on it and pictures hanging on one of their walls. So, we my mom and I decided to take my grandparents on vacation to Branson, Missouri, I made sure to put it in our itinerary. On the way back home, we got to experience a ferry ride, state park, and the Jacob Wolf House. My grandparents had already been to the site, so they stayed in the car and slept while my mom and I explored the property. We learned a lot of interesting history about the area and even discovered there was a Trail of Tears stamp! So, now I am collecting stamps for the Arkansas State Parks, Trail of Tears, Arkansas Historic Preservation, and National Parks! Whew, that is a lot to keep up with… and I just learned about another one to collect. I ask myself all the time, “what am I doing with my life?”

Jacob Wolf

Born of German heritage, Jacob Wolf was known for being a merchant of many trades. He served as a carpenter, blacksmith, and built log structures. It is recorded that him and his son maintained a general store, blacksmith, and carpentry shop on his home site to serve the town’s residents and thousands of travelers making their way to north Arkansas. One of his notable skills can be seen in his expertly shaped yellow pine logs that are 32-feet long.

In 1826, Wolf was elected as a representative to the General Assembly of Arkansas Territory. The inspiration to create a permanent courthouse for Izard County came from his time as representative. So, in 1829, he built the Jacob Wolf House for this purpose, and it also became the seat of justice. While the court was in session, people would make temporary camps on the site grounds. Due to its location on the river, the site served as a center of trade and river port.

Jacob Wolf House Historic Site

Located near where the White and Norfork rivers meet lies the Jacob Wolf House Historic Site. Even though the site is in Norfork, the town’s original name was Liberty, declared by Jacob Wolf in the early 1820s. Built in 1829, this two-story dogtrot structure was built by Jacob Wolf to serve as the first permanent county courthouse in Arkansas Territory. It is also the oldest public structure in the state and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Not only did the Jacob Wolf House serve as a courthouse, but also a family home, inn, tavern, and probably more things over the years. While it served as Izard County’s permanent courthouse, no record of a jailhouse in Liberty exists. The house’s oldest known photograph is circa 1903, taken over 75 years after the town of Liberty was created and when the first railroad came to the town.

The two-story structure with a dogtrot was once a common feature on American frontiers but is now rare to find on houses. Other log cabins in the state were built with this concept, as you will read about at state parks and some museums, such as Davidsonville Historic State Park. Built in 1829, the courthouse is the only original structure remaining. Some original furnishings remain, as well. It is notably the oldest public structure in Arkansas. A long resource study found that it is also the last remaining two-story dogtrot style public structure in the United States!

Furthermore, the site is certified as an official Trail of Tears Interpretive Center. The house is documented as a “witness site” to the 1,100 Cherokee men, women, and children that passed through Liberty along the Benge Route of the Cherokee Trail of Tears. It is also reported that Wolf served them in repairing some of their wagons when they passed through the town. If you are unaware of the Trail of Tears routes, you can learn more about their certified sites. So, be sure to inquire about it when visiting and get your Trail of Tears stamp when you visit the Jacob Wolf House!

Also located on the grounds is the 1832 John Wolf Cabin, who was Jacob’s son. Both the House and Cabin have been restored and are open for tours. Restorations and improvements are still being made to the property. They continue to improve the 1840 replica split rail fence surrounding the property, 19^th century Wolf House cistern, new picnic pavilions, exhibits, and interpretive panels. There is an ADA trail with interpretive panels that allow you to see the first story of the House.

Jacob Wolf House is host to many different programs and activities. They host living history events, festivals, and more to make your visit unique. For more information on this historic site and their events, be sure to check out their Facebook page.

Have you ever been to one of their events? Tell us about it!

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?

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?