HISTORIC SITES & STATE PARKS
TAKE A HISTORIC TRIP AND SEE IT ALL FIRSTHAND
In the Ozark Mountain Region, history isn’t just a thing of the past—it’s a living, breathing part of the landscape. Here, the past and present intertwine to create an experience unlike any other. Our state parks preserve and share the stories, places, and people that shaped the beauty of this region into what we cherish today. From grand historic homes to immersive pioneer life demonstrations, this area offers visitors and residents a taste of the old with the conveniences of the new. Whether you’re exploring the past or enjoying the present, the region’s historic sites offer an educational and exciting journey you simply can’t miss!
OZARK MOUNTAINS HISTORY – WHERE WOULD IT BE WITHOUT YOU?
METEORITE – OR IS IT?
This large stone, now located on the grounds of the Randolph County Courthouse, was found in the Black River Bottoms in 1859. It was later donated to the City of Pocahontas in 1986 in celebration of Arkansas’ Sesquicentennial.
POCAHONTAS STATUE
In Black River Overlook Park on Highway 67 in Pocahontas – was hand crafted in Italy of Italian granite and symbolizes Chief Powhatan’s daughter, the princess Pocahontas, for whom our town is named. You can also see the nearby Century Wall.
RAVENDEN SPRINGS
18 miles from Pocahontas on Scenic Highway 90 – this small town is located in the vicinity of one of the oldest settlements in the State. John Janes, a revolutionary soldier from Virginia, settled on the creek that bears his name. Ravenden Springs has many historical values, a canyon and natural springs of water thought to have healing powers. To this day, people drive long distances to capture this fresh spring water. It is also home of the oldest school in Arkansas! One of the most historical features of Arkansas is the cave in the canyon where the first school was located and taught by Mr. Caleb Lindsey.
VETERANS MEMORIAL
Located on the lawn of the Randolph County Courthouse in down town Pocahontas – this beautiful memorial, just recently completed, honors the men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice for the protection of our freedoms while serving our country.
GOVERNOR THOMAS S. DREW GRAVESITE
Randolph County produced the only Arkansas Governor to resign while in office due to low pay. While in office, Governor Drew proclaimed December 19, 1841 as the first Thanksgiving Day ever celebrated in Arkansas. He died in 1879 in Texas and in 1923 was moved back to Pocahontas and was buried in the Masonic Cemetery.
OLD RANDOLPH COUNTY COURTHOUSE
A grand attraction located on the square in Pocahontas. Built in 1872 of early Victorian architecture, it still tempts the eye today with its beauty and grandeur. The Historic Courthouse was first used on April 7, 1875 as county officials moved into the new building. Since 1940 it has served in various municipal capacities and today this beautiful building is the home to the Randolph County Chamber of Commerce.
STATE PARKS
NATURAL BEAUTY COMBINED WITH STIMULATING HISTORY!
Whether you’re stepping into the past to explore historic villages, fishing in the pristine waters, or wandering through lush hiking trails, the Ozark Gateway Region’s state parks have something just for youl. Carefully preserved and maintained for all to enjoy, these parks offer an unforgettable journey into the heart of the region’s history, dazzling landscapes, and untouched natural beauty. Civil War sites neighbor magnificent fishing spots, all nestled within the thick, green forests of the Ozarks. Steeped in history and surrounded by beauty, our state parks provide an entertainment that’s as enriching as it is easy to enjoy.
Step back in time at Jacksonport State Park, once a bustling riverboat port and a crossroads for both Confederate and Union soldiers. Fish for bass, crappie, bream, and catfish in 645 acres of sparkling, spring-fed water at Lake Charles State Park. Watch the magnificent flow of 9 million gallons of water per hour at Mammoth Spring State Park, home to Arkansas’ largest spring, and explore railroad treasures at the 1886 Frisco Depot. Explore Old Davidsonville State Park, where the first post office, courthouse, and land office of the Arkansas Territory once stood in the thriving town of Davidsonville, founded in 1815. Let the Ozark Folk Center State Park enchant you with its traditional music, artisan craft village, and inviting gift shop, perfect for the whole family. Wrap up your trip at the restored 1888 courthouse at Powhatan Historic State Park, a former riverport town where red bricks were made right on-site three miles south of Black Rock.
Come and experience the untouched beauty and preservation of original history, and create long-lasting traditions!
POWHATAN HISTORIC STATE PARK
In 1888, a courthouse was built atop the first rocky ridge at the eastern edge of the Ozarks, replacing a courthouse that had burned down three years earlier. It was in the heart of a busy riverport on the Black River, a shipping point covering a large territory. The courthouse was restored in 1970 and features a jail, the Telephone Exchange Building, the Powhatan Male and Female Academy and more for visitors to enjoy through guided tours.
MAMMOTH SPRINGS STATE PARK
Mammoth Spring is a National Natural Landmark and Arkansas’ largest spring. There’s an information center with exhibits on the area’s history and natural resources, remnants of a mill and hydroelectric plant, and nearby is the 1886 Frisco train depot, where you can get on board a genuine Frisco caboose and transport your imagination back to the turn of the 19th century.
JACKSONPORT STATE PARK
A thriving riverport in the 1800s, Jacksonport became the county seat in 1854 and built a two-story courthouse, which is still here in its restored state. Learn about this historic riverport through the park’s museum, interpretive programs and the nearby Mary Woods No. 2 sternwheel paddleboat.
OZARK FOLK CENTER STATE PARK
Here’s where you can get a taste of life the way it used to be in the scenic Ozark Mountains. You’ll breathe in the dance, crafts, folklore and southern mountain music – which led to the town of Mountain View being known as the Folk Music Capital of the World. From April 15 through October 29, artisans demonstrate more than 20 homestead skills and pioneer crafts and introduce you to the characters of the region in living history presentations in the craft village.
OLD DAVIDSONVILLE STATE PARK
Park exhibits and interpretive tours preserve the site of historic Davidsonville, a frontier town established in 1815. Today, fishing is a prime activity here, but the town once thrived commercially with the Arkansas Territory’s first post office, courthouse and land office. All that ended in the 1830s, when the town was bypassed by the Southwest Trail, a key trade route between St. Louis and the Mexico border.