TRAVEL DAY: WILLIAMSVILLE, MISSOURI TO POCAHONTAS, ARKANSAS.
Day 44 – It was 39 degrees this morning when we got up, windy, and partly cloudy. We always hate to say goodbye to Wappapello and Mingo. We hope to come back again.
Yep, as expected, the girls were concerned that we’d be traveling today. Three of them carefully observed us and what movements we were making, and even though we were being careful not to give them a clue, Pixie began looking for a hiding place early.
Knowing it was a travel day, we still didn’t know for sure where we’d end up spending the night tonight, or the next several nights either. We know what general direction we want to take – head towards one of our favorite places, a wildlife refuge in Oklahoma where the Buffalo roam – but we don’t know where we should stay as we drive towards that place. We decided for today at least, we’d head south out of Missouri and into Arkansas, and begin meandering to lower Oklahoma.
After dumping tanks, we departed at 10:50 a.m. Rob had found a place that looked interesting – Davidsonville Historic State Park in Pocahontas, Arkansas. That’s where we went, south and a little west. The entire drive until very close to the Park, the land was flat as a pancake. Then as we reached the Black River, we came across some nice rolling hills with forests instead of farms. This was the Park. We arrived at 12:35 p.m. It was 59 degrees, windy and mostly cloudy. It had been very windy on the drive, a little scary at times, but if the big rigs can do it, so can we.
We drove through the very small campground (only 20 campsites), picked a site, then registered at the Ranger’s Station. We quickly unpacked, set up camp, had a late lunch, then went for a short walk to the lake. This will be a good place to stay.
We took a drive around the Davidsonville Historic Site – a very interesting story.
From a sign at the at the former Davidsonville town site: titled “DECLINE AND ABANDONMENT”.
Myths: Within the short span of 15 years, Davidsonville rose in size and importance, and just as quickly returned to oblivion. The quick demise of Davidsonville led to local myths about its fall – a yellow fever epidemic, a mass exodus, or a town destroyed by fire. Although colorful, there is no evidence supporting these myths. Historical and archeological evidence suggest the demise of Davidsonville came from environmental and political influences.
Transportation Woes: Despite the logic in siting Davidsonville near three rivers, springtime flooding disrupted transportation routes and isolated the town. Eventually the Black River crossing was moved where flooding was less severe. In addition, Davidsonville’s location on a spur, rather than directly on, the Southwest Trail contributed to the town’s decline as this route gained in importance.
County Seat Moved: With access in the spring limited by flooding, the town became unsuitable for a County Seat. New settlers moved further west to better land, and town residents eventually abandoned flood-prone lands for dryer options. Following the population, the federal land office was moved west to Batesville after only two years. In 1829 the Lawrence County Seat was moved from Davidsonville to Jackson, a town on the Southwest Trail. Businesses would have quickly followed.
Town Dismantled: As people moved, buildings and materials were reused. Small buildings may have been physically moved to new locations, and bricks and stones from larger buildings were recycled. Eventually nothing much was left, and nature covered the remains. Although not as intriguing as yellow fever or fire, these environmental and political factors are believed to be the reasons Davidsonville disappeared.”
From the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism brochure.
“In 1979 and 2004-2009, the Arkansas Archeological Survey conducted excavations of the townsite. Archeologists used the original surveyors plat to locate remains of homes and businesses. These investigations uncovered tens of thousands of artifacts including ceramics, bricks, trash pits, tools, buttons, earrings, coins, and combs. These material remains, along with available documentary sources such as deeds, birth and death certificates, marriage records, and newspaper articles, create a picture of life at Davidsonville and in frontier America in the early 19th century.”
There were three other campsites occupied when we arrived; two more campers came in later. There are still several campsites marked “Reserved”. Probably people are coming in for Thanksgiving, maybe to visit relatives or friends tomorrow, but we’ll probably leave for another adventure. Shhh…don’t tell the kitties.
For more detailed information about Davidsonville Historic State Park,click here.