State park museum offers glimpse of White River's history

The Sentinel-Record/Corbet Deary LOG CABIN: Located within a stone's throw of Lower White River State Park, the Prairie County Log Cabin Museum is also manned by the state park system and offers an interesting journey back in time.
The Sentinel-Record/Corbet Deary LOG CABIN: Located within a stone's throw of Lower White River State Park, the Prairie County Log Cabin Museum is also manned by the state park system and offers an interesting journey back in time.

Outdoor writer and photographer Corbet Deary is featured regularly in The Sentinel-Record. Today, Deary writes about Lower White River State Park Museum.

When the White River is mentioned, a lot of folks, including yours truly, automatically think of cold, crystal-clear waters cutting their way through the Ozarks. Premier trout waters also come to mind, and rightfully so, as anglers travel from abroad to try their hand at coaxing this much-pursued species from its bountiful waters.

But there was a day when this waterway played a huge role in Arkansas' rich history, an era long before dams produced reservoirs and catch-and-release below these huge concrete structures was of concern. It was a time when the fish swimming within its banks served as an important food source, and its channel served as a vital means of transportation.

Although aware the White River still plays a crucial role in the existence of many, my understanding of its significance from 1831 to 1931 grew much more clear during a recent visit to Lower White River Museum State Park.

According to information shared by the Arkansas State Parks system, Native Americans used the waterway as a means of travel before the arrival of European explorers. One would also suspect the natives recognized the river as a means of food and built villages within proximity of its shoreline.

With the arrival of French traders and European trappers, the White River, then referred to as Eau Blanche, grew in popularity. In turn, the river experienced an influx of settlers. Times were changing. The dugout canoes that were once used by early inhabitants were no longer efficient. New residents arrived via flatboats, keelboats and barges.

The information posted by state parks system suggests these crafts were dismantled upon reaching one's destination, and their wood was either sold or utilized as building materials for the new settlers' homes.

photo

The Sentinel-Record/Corbet Deary HISTORY LESSON: Visitors to Lower White River State Park will have an opportunity to get a better understanding of the history of eastern Arkansas during the 1800s.

With the steamboat era came even more change for the lower White River. Travel grew noticeably easier. In turn, settlements expanded and opportunities for folks to make a living increased.

Commercial fishermen had recognized the White River was bountiful by the 1800s. An abundance of carp, buffalo, catfish, drum and gar lent to commercial fishing growing into a very important source of income.

Although the river served as an essential means of travel, fish that were netted from the White were at one time transported to markets throughout the country via railroad. But with more chance came a noticeable change for the fishermen. In fact, new shipping regulations and cold-water dams had an adverse effect on the industry.

photo

The Sentinel-Record/Corbet Deary ONE: The Lower White River State Park Museum offers many interesting facts about how residents depended upon the waterway throughout history for their survival.

Shelling has also played a large role in the existence of those living along the banks of the river. Not only did the mussels serve as a food source, but their hard outer covering was also of importance.

The Native Americans made good use of the shells, as well. Crushed, they added tensile strength to pottery. The shells also came in handy as tools and jewelry. Pearls were sometimes found inside the shells and were also used for jewelry and trade.

The Europeans found very little use for the shells early on and focused upon searching for pearls. But the importance of the outer casings grew significantly with the arrival of button factories in nearby towns during the late 1800s. But changing times once again had an adverse effect on shelling when plastic buttons became mass produced in the early to mid 20th century.

The White was one of several rivers throughout eastern Arkansas that played a "strategic role in the Civil War." According to state park information, the troops transported supplies via these waterways, and our rivers were essential in isolating Texas from remaining confederate states.

In turn, many shots were fired along the river during our nation's upheaval. Interestingly, the Lower White River State Park brochure explains that the White River was the location where the "most destructive single shot" of the Civil War was fired.

"A shell from the Confederate canon entered a casement window of the Union ironclad and pierced the ship's boilers," the brochure shares. "Casualties from the resulting explosion and subsequent gunfire totaled 150." The article continues, "A monument commemorating the battle and listing Confederate and Union casualties is in St. Charles."

After reading the information published in the brochure, I entered the museum intrigued and with a better understanding of the river's rich history. Immediately greeted by life-sizes figures of Capt. James C. McManus, Sally Davis, a schoolteacher from Memphis, surveyor John Garretson, and Henry, a slave, I eagerly listened to an audio of introductions of these people in a dialogue they would have each used back in the day.

Continuing through the other exhibits, my imagination danced through the 1800s. I made a journey into the territory during the frontier days. I learned the significance of agriculture in this section of the state, an industry that still plays a huge role in the well-being of those residing in the area today.

It was interesting to know that cattle and game were once considered by the residents of greatest importance, but the fertile soil along the river eventually deemed crops of most significance. It was enlightening to imagine what started out as small-scale farming eventually transforming into an industry that literally helps feed and clothe people around the globe.

Although the Delta is now known for large open fields, information at the museum shared a time when vast hardwood forests were harvested, lending to a booming timber industry. It was fascinating to imagine these trees being rafted downstream to mills, and another reminder of change upon learning the materials were eventually shipped to their destination by rail.

Following our tour through the museum, the kind lady manning the desk offered to share one more leg of the tour. Although owned by Prairie County, the Log Museum located next door is actually manned by Arkansas State Parks.

Unlocking the door to a replica of an 1800s dogtrot log cabin, she led us into yet another opportunity to get a feel of how folks lived back in the day. The rooms were decorated with antique furniture and amenities comparable to what they used during that era.

It was somewhat of an eye opener to see how simple people could live and survive. There was no electricity or running water. In fact, the outhouse was situated several feet from the cabin.

A single bed accommodated several people and, believe it or not, the children found plenty to keep them occupied without electronics and a slew of toys.

The kitchen was located on the opposing side of the breezeway, and lacked many of the amenities that we today consider essential. The cookstove was fueled by wood and the pots and pans primitive by the standards that we are accustomed to.

Ending our tour, we bid farewell to yesteryear and re-entered the era we live in today. Although I certainly preferred living in the present, it was enlightening to gain a better understanding of how folks lived back in the day.

To get to Lower White River State Park Museum from Interstate 40, take Exit 193. Follow Highway 11 north to Main Street in Des Arc. The facility is located at 2009 Main.

Local on 03/05/2015

Upcoming Events