Davidsonville Historic State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Davidsonville Historic State Park |
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"Ghost structure" at the Davidsonville town site to illustrate a former structure
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 Davidsonville Historic State Park
Location in Arkansas
Davidsonville Historic State Park
Location in the United States
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| Location | Pocahontas, Arkansas, United States |
| Area | 163 acres (66 ha) |
| Established | 1957 |
| Named for | Davidsonville |
| Governing body | Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism |
| Website | Davidsonville Historic State Park |
Davidsonville Historic State Park (once called Old Davidsonville State Park) is a 163-acre Arkansas state park. It is located in Randolph County, Arkansas, in the United States. The park sits where the The Ozarks meets the Arkansas Delta. It protects the remains of an old, forgotten town called Davidsonville.
This town was one of the first places settled in Arkansas Territory. It was founded in 1815. Davidsonville was an important river port on the Black River. The old townsite became a state park in 1957. A special monument was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.
Contents
History of Davidsonville Park
The Old Town of Davidsonville
People lived at this site long ago. Archeologists found signs that Native Americans used the area as early as 4,000 BC. There is also proof that French settlers were here before 1803. That was when the United States bought the land in the Louisiana Purchase. An old Indian mound from before 1,100 AD was found under the 1822 courthouse.
Davidsonville was started in 1815. It quickly became the most important town in northeast Arkansas Territory. The town was a busy river port on the west bank of the Black River. It was near where the Spring River and Eleven Point River join the Black River. Davidsonville was a key stop on the Southwest Trail. This was an important route for travelers.
The town had several important firsts for the territory. In 1817, Arkansas Territory's first post office opened here. In 1820, the first United States General Land Office was set up in Davidsonville. This office helped people claim land. The first courthouse in Arkansas Territory was built in Davidsonville in 1822. The town became the county seat for Lawrence County. At that time, Lawrence County covered about one-third of northern Arkansas.
Why the Town Disappeared
Soon after Davidsonville was founded, the Southwest Trail changed. It was moved to higher ground, bypassing the town. New towns grew up along the trail's new path. This made Davidsonville less important. In 1828, the land office moved to Batesville. This town was about 60 miles (97 km) southwest.
In 1829, the county seat and courthouse also began to move. They went to several other towns. By the time Arkansas became a state in 1836, Davidsonville was mostly empty. Today, not much is left above ground. The townsite used to have a grid of streets and a central square. Now, it looks like a grassy field with a few trees.
If you look closely, you can still see hints of the old town. The park has signs that show where buildings used to stand. There are also two small cemeteries.
How the Park Was Created
After Arkansas Post National Memorial was created in 1929, the Arkansas State Legislature decided to protect Davidsonville. They passed a law on March 28, 1957. However, money to develop the area into a state park was not approved until 1979.
The park was first listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1974. It was called "Old Davidsonville State Historic Monument." During the 1980s, the townsite was cleared. This was done to help with archeological studies. The first careful archeological study happened in 1972. Several more studies followed. Today, the park's visitor facilities are on nearby ridges.
Fun Things to Do
Davidsonville Historic State Park is a historic site, but it also offers fun activities. You can go fishing in the Black River, Eleven Point River, or Spring River. There is also a small fishing pond inside the park.
A park guide can give you tours of the original townsite all year round. The park has picnic tables, covered pavilions, and playgrounds. There is also a visitor's center with a gift shop. If you like camping, there are 30 campsites available. These include different types for tents and RVs.
Images for kids
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Headstones in the Phillip-Reeve Cemetery, 2011.
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Monument marking the old town site of Davidsonville, 2011.
