Step into the shadowed past of Calico Rock, a town whose history is as haunting as it is fascinating. Long before it became a charming tourist destination, Calico Rock endured nature’s most relentless forces—and human error.
The massive fire of 1923, sparked by a passing locomotive, tore through downtown, consuming 28 buildings on Main Street and leaving the old commercial heart of East Calico Rock in smoldering ruins.
From the ashes rose the stone and brick structures that define the historic district today, but the abandoned east side remains a ghost town, whispering tales of a once-bustling center now lost to time.
The White River has always held its own eerie power. The 1927 flood, cresting at 51.5 feet, submerged streets and threatened homes, yet revealed something even stranger: an ancient Native American burial ground across the river, its treasure of gold coins dating back before 1541 disturbed by the raging waters.
Later floods, including those in 1982 and 2008, reminded residents that the river’s memory is long and unforgiving, though modern reservoirs now temper its wrath.
Today, Calico Rock is far from forgotten. The town has experienced a revitalization, with a booming downtown, a welcoming visitor center, and an engaging museum that celebrate its rich history.
Visitors can stroll along the city bluffs overlooking the majestic White River, where scenic views meet stories of fire, flood, and resilience. Wander through the preserved historic district, explore the ghost town of East Calico Rock, and experience a town where history refuses to stay buried—and the past lingers beautifully alongside a vibrant present.