On March 7, 2015, Jacksonport State Park will host an exciting new program in its courthouse. The event will feature unique aspects of Jackson County history, each driven by the power of steam engines. Through this tapestry will be woven other stories which pay homage not only to the park’s newest exhibit, but also the Sesquicentennial and Arkansas Archaeology Month.
The event kicks off at 9:30 with Jackson County historian Robert Craig speaking on “Steam Powered Progress.” This presentation will feature the rich steamboat and railroad history of the area and the changes which the steam engine brought. Following a brief intermission Civil War historian Dr. George Lankford will discuss the steam engines which fought the Civil War on the White and Black Rivers. The day will conclude with two presentations by Arkansas archaeologist Jamie Chad Brandon speaking at both 11:00a.m. and 2:00p.m. The first program will present the vast array of archaeological evidence of the steamboat trade in Jacksonport and the second will canvass the importance of historic archaeology.
Admission to the event is free, and refreshments will be provided.
This exhibit is fully accessible to those with disabilities.
Through Amendment 75 Arkansas State Parks receives funding from a conservation sales tax of 1/8th of one percent. This funding source provides money for special projects, events, programs and maintenance repairs at all of our state parks. Thank you for your support of the Arkansas State Park system.
For questions please contact:
Vicky Schoeneweis, Park Interpreter or Angela Gibbs, Curator of Collections
Jacksonport State Park
205 Avenue St.
Jacksonport, AR 72075
Phone (870) 523-2143
E-mail: Vicky.Schoeneweis@Arkansas.gov; Angela.Gibbs@arkansas.gov
