| |
Historic Sites in Arkansas
|
Conway Cemetery State Park
When Arkansas was admitted to the Union as the 25th state on
June 15, 1836, James Sevier Conway took office as Arkansas's
first governor. This 11-acre historic site preserves Conway's
final resting place. The cemetery is the family plot of the
former Conway homesite and cotton plantation, Walnut Hill.
Forty-three graves lie within the graveyard. For information
call: (800)NAT-URAL
Herman Davis State Park
This one-acre park surrounds the monument to Private Herman
Davis, an Arkansas farm boy and World War I hero. Fourth on
General John J. Pershing's list of World War I's 100 greatest
heroes, Davis received the Distinguished Service Cross, the
Croix de Guere and the Medaulle Militaire awards from the
American and French governments. For information call:
(800)NAT-URAL
Louisiana Purchase State Park
At the junction of Lee, Monroe and Phillips Counties, this park
preserves the initial point from which all surveys of property
acquired through the Louisiana Purchase of 1803 initiated. The
park includes 36 acres within a headwater swamp, a
fast-disappearing ecological setting in eastern Arkansas. A
boardwalk with exhibits provides access to a monument in the
swamp's interior marking the survey's initial point. This site
is a national historic landmark. For information call:
(800)NAT-URAL
Old Davidsonville State Park
The park preserves the site of historic Davidsonville,
established in 1815. The town included the Arkansas Territory's
first post office, courthouse and land office. Bypassed by the
Southwest Trail, an overland route from St. Louis to the border
with Mexico, the town faded by the 1830s. Exhibits provide
information on this important frontier town. Fishing is a major
activity at Old Davidsonville. The park borders the Black River
(boat launch ramp) and a 12-acre fishing lake (no launch ramp)
offering a boat dock, barrier-free fishing pier, fishing boats
(trolling motors only) and pedal boats. Using the park as a base
camp, anglers may also choose the nearby Spring and Eleven Point
Rivers. Facilities include 49 campsites (24 Class A; 25 tent
sites), picnic areas, two standard pavilions, playground, two
hiking trails and a self-guided walking trail thru the old town
site. For information call: (870)892-4708
Old Washington Historic State Park
Washington is a unique, historic Arkansas community conserved
and interpreted by Arkansas State Parks in conjunction with the
Pioneer Washington Restoration Foundation. From its
establishment in 1824, Washington was an important stop on the
rugged Southwest Trail for pioneers traveling to Texas. James
Bowie, Sam Houston and Davy Crockett traveled through Washington
and James Black, a local blacksmith, is credited with creating
the legendary Bowie Knife here. Later, the town became a major
service center for area planters, merchants and professionals
and was the Confederate Capital of Arkansas from 1863-1865.
Established in 1973, the state park interprets Washington from
1824-1875. Tours include visits to the Confederate Capitol,
Tavern Inn, Blacksmith Shop, Weapons Museum and several
residences. The 19th century restoration town includes a print
museum, steam-powered cotton gin and dining at the Williams
Tavern Restaurant. The 1874 Courthouse serves as the visitor
center. The park also houses the Southwest Arkansas Regional
Archives, a resource center for historical and genealogical
research. For information call: (870)983-2684
|
|
|
|
|
|
