Outdoor writer and photographer Corbet Deary is featured regularly in The Sentinel-Record. Today, Deary takes readers on a journey to Arkansas Post National Memorial.
Last week's article focused on the Arkansas Post Museum, located near Gillette. Well, this week we'll remain in the general vicinity of this small southern Arkansas town. In fact, the destination we'll be covering is only a few minutes down the road from where we tread last week.
The name even shares a distinct resemblance. However, this particular location is manned and maintained by the National Park Service. And its rich history dates back to the late 1600s.
Located on the banks of the Arkansas River, Arkansas Post National Memorial's goal is to "preserve and interpret the remains of the original European and Native American settlements on the Arkansas River, as well as the Civil War battle fought at the post, and the countless people who once resided in the area."
Arkansas Post was the first permanent European colony settled in the Mississippi River Valley. Settled by French traders in the late 1680s, the post was in close proximity to Osotouy, a Quapaw Indian Village.
The settlement began to trade with the nearby tribe. However, the trading post eventually proved less than a success, as the French were unable to compete with the British fur traders. In turn, the settlement was abandoned in 1699.
But the French did find yet another use for the post, as it served as a military garrison 21 years later, following King Louis XIV's decision to grant riverfront property to a group of German settlers. This new group also had aspirations of survival along this stretch of water. However, their agricultural endeavors proved a failure, as well.
Nestled near the water's edge, the post fell victim to high waters several times throughout the years. As a result, it was relocated several times, all of the locations in the same general area.
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In fact, settlers slowly began to inhabit the area, and the French eventually opted to move the post to a different location in the 1740s, as a result of flooding and with hopes of avoiding conflict with the Chickasaw Tribe.
The post obviously proved significant in the defense of French claims. In turn, Capt. Charles Marie de Reggio decided to move the post down the Mississippi River in an effort to protect the French Fleets.
However, following the French and Indian War, the French ceded Louisiana to Spain in 1763. And the Spanish troops had control of the Arkansas Post in two short years.
Twenty-four years followed before Spain chose to relocate the post back to the location of the original French settlement, under the new name of Fort Carlos III. They were successful at developing a fur trade with the Quapaw Indians and managed to gain military allies, which proved advantageous during the American Revolution.
The post is renowned as the only location, throughout the state, where an American Revolution battle occurred. The Spanish were successful at standing their ground against the British in 1783. And the post never faced another attack during the war.
The Spanish returned Louisiana to France in the early 1800s, and the United States gained control of the post following the Louisiana Purchase in 1803.
The post was transformed into an "American Frontier community" shortly thereafter. The U.S. government also tried its hand at making the post a trading center. But they, too, were unsuccessful, as they could not compete with private companies.
The Mississippi Valley was growing by leaps and bounds, and the Arkansas Post was deemed as the capital of the Arkansas Territory in 1819. However, a noticeable decline in the population and economy ensued when Little Rock became the capital in 1821.
But all wasn't over for Arkansas Post, as its whereabouts of the Arkansas River deemed it of importance as a port, as cotton production was on the increase.
The town once again experienced a stroke of bad luck when it lost its position as the county seat. However, its significance was once again recognized during the Civil War, as it would prove strategic in the defense of Little Rock.
In turn, the Confederate Army built Fort Hindman at the post. But the Confederate's hopes dwindled on Jan. 10, 1863, as the earthen structure could not withstand the Union Army's gunboat attack.
The town continued to dwindle following the Civil War, as a result of a lull in river traffic due to increased railroad usage.
Although erosion and changes on the course of the Arkansas River have had an adverse effect on the remains of Arkansas Post, in the neighborhood of one-half of its remains are still visible today.
And the memorial lends to a scene that is likely far different from what it was during the many years of conflict and uncertain times it experienced.
In fact, the facility lends to a parklike setting, peacefully nestled on the banks of the river.
The Visitor Center was closed, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, during our most recent visit to the facility. However, there was plenty to keep us occupied throughout the 389 acres of property still open to the public.
The National Park Service has taken measures to restore the remains throughout the site to an 18th-century appearance. In fact, there are several reminders of the history of our country's European heritage throughout the property, and segments of the 19th-century town.
There are no original structures standing. However, original streets are marks, as are footprints of several buildings. Those who are in for a pleasant and easy trek into history might be interested in the fact that 2.5 miles of paved trails meander through the property.
From the parking area, the paved ADA path makes its way alongside the river, and within feet of a replica of where a canon might have been placed during times of uncertainties. The trail then veers to the right and makes its way through a field and alongside a pond that is frequented by some local anglers.
The designated path eventually veers to the left and enters a wooded area. Civil War buffs might find this section interesting, as interpretive signs point out the remains of foxholes that were used by the Confederate soldiers.
The path makes its way alongside an oxbow, lending to the opportunity for folks to watch water-loving birds and other native wildlife going about their everyday rituals. The trail continues through the woods for a short distance prior to returning back to the parking area, where the jaunt into another era of time began.
Although I was somewhat disappointed that the visitor center was closed during our recent excursion to south Arkansas, I can say with all certainty that the Arkansas Post National Memorial is a destination that I thoroughly enjoyed. And it is a location where I anticipate visiting again in the near future.
To get to the destination from Hot Springs. take Highway 270 east for about 60 miles and take Interstate 530 east toward Pine Bluff. Remain on 530 for 12.4 miles and remain straight on Highway 65. Travel 29 miles and take a left onto East Jackson Street. Go 8.4 miles and turn right onto Highway 212. Travel 3.4 miles and take a left onto Great River Road. go 4.4 miles and turn right onto Highway 169. Travel 2 miles and take a right onto Old Post Road. Continue eight-tenths of a mile to the parking area.
