1.
Overlook Park Pocahontas. Located at the scenic overlook
along Hwy 67–directly across the highway from downtown
Pocahontas.
Black River Markers–these six markers are located along
the edge of the upper tier of the Park, north of the
parking area. The markers explain the natural and
cultural history of the Black River which the Park
overlooks. They also explain the important role of the
Port of Pocahontas which was located within the Park
area.
Civil War Marker–This marker, also on the upper tier of
the Park, gives a brief history of Randolph County in
the Civil War.
Century Wall–These three large, curved walls in a Plaza
on the lower tier of the Park bear the etched likenesses
of over 100 persons voted the most influential Americans
of the 20th Century. Brochures available at the site
identify the persons who appear on the walls and explain
their significance.
Civil War Memorial Walk–These six markers are located
along a paved walkway (with benches) that meanders along
the river and around the Park. These markers explain in
some detail the important role Pocahontas and Randolph
County played in the Civil War including those years
when Pocahontas was Headquarters for the
Trans-Mississippi Department of the Confederacy. |
2. Old
Courthouse Pocahontas. Turn west off Hwy 67 at downtown
Pocahontas onto Hwy 90. At the top of the hill, turn
north on Marr Street for one block, then west on Everett
Street for one block. Located at the northwest corner of
the lawn of the 1873 Courthouse, the marker identifies
this as the site of the 1837 Randolph County Courthouse
that served in that capacity until after the Civil War.
The restored 1873 Courthouse that now stands on the site
was placed on the National Register of Historic Places
in 1973. It is an excellent example of Victorian
Italianate architecture. Today it houses the Randolph
County Chamber of Commerce and Tourist Information
Center. 3. Pitman-
Located on Pitman Road in extreme northeast Randolph
County. Take Hwy 308 east out of Maynard, take Hwy 166
to the northeast just past the Maynard Cemetery. When
you reach the country store at Supply, take Pitman Road
to the northeast. The marker is located at the site of
the historic village of Pitman. It explains the
importance of that site as well as the nearby site of
Pitman’s Ferry. Founded in 1803 as Hix’s Ferry on the
Current River, this was the first ferry established in
Arkansas. Known as the ‘Gateway to Arkansas’, Pitman’s
Ferry was where the Southwest Trail entered Arkansas
from Missouri. Pitman Road is part of the old trail and
also part of the Benge Route of the Cherokee Trail of
Tears that entered Arkansas just north of the ferry site
in 1838. During the Civil War, Pitman’s Ferry was also
Headquarters of the Army of Northern Arkansas some 6,000
men strong at this point that blocked Union forces from
invading Arkansas along the most favored route. Two
important clashes between Confederate and Union forces
occurred here. This was also the site in 1838 of the
first circus performance held in Arkansas. |
4.
Supply Follow the route described above to Supply
Country Store. This marker is ans older version of the
marker at Pitman. This site itself is quite historic.
Here four of Arkansas’s earliest roads intersected with
the Southwest Trail. In the middle of the intersection
was a large well where early travelers refreshed
themselves and refilled their water barrels. A supply
store was established at the site at an early date where
travelers on the Trail, including the Cherokee on the
Trail of Tears, replenished their supplies–hence the
name.
5. Salem Church Site The first
Baptist Church in Arkansas was established on this site
in 1818 by Caleb Lindsey. This site is located within
the Columbia or Fourche De Maux Community–begun as a
French settlement in the 1700s. It’s located along the
old Southwest Trail. To reach the site, take highway 308
west from Maynard approximately 7 miles. At the top of a
hill, you turn right onto a gravel road at the
Columbia-Jarrett Baptist Church sign. This road is a
short loop going past the church site (a second church
is now on the old church site) and then continuing on
back to Hwy 308. The marker is to the left of the
existing church building.
6. Pocahontas- Birthplace of
Rock and Roll pioneer Billy Lee Riley, who was born to
Amos and Helen Riley on October 5, 1933 in a while frame
house once located on the marker site. Riley and his
band, the Little Green Men, helped originate the unique
sound of Sun Records that became a distinctly American
musical heritage. His records, Flying Saucers Rock
'n' Roll and Red Hot, are early Rock
and Roll classics. |
