Davidsonville Historic State Park

Next to the fishing lake at Davidsonville Historical State Park there is a grassy field and a cemetery, all that remains of the once-bustling town of Davidsonville, Arkansas. Visitors to the park can learn about Arkansas's quirky pioneer past and participate in a wealth of outdoor activities, making it an attractive place to go the next time you visit the Ozark foothills.

The rise and fall of Davidsonville, Arkansas

In the early 19th century, Davidsonville, Arkansas was the county seat of Laurence county. It had the Arkansas Territory's first post office and courthouse, and thrived from trade going down the Black River and back and forth on the Old Military Road. However, new roads were built, and trade patterns changed. The county seat was moved; Davidsonville declined and eventually vanished.

Historical interest

Archaeologists have started to excavate the old town, and found a number of interesting artifacts. Visitors to Davidsonville Historic State Park can see a selection of these artifacts in the visitor's center, as well as in a series of wayside exhibits along the Historic Townsite Trail. Visitors should also check out the cemeteries; the headstones have unique designs that reflect the idiosyncratic lifestyles of the pioneers who lived in the early days of American history.

Fishing, hiking and more

Today, the Davidsonville Historic State Park is most famous for its fishing. There is a fishing lake onsite, as well as access to the Black River. The Spring and Eleven Point rivers are nearby, too, offering a wealth of options to anglers. Visitors can also hike the park's nature trails, where they can discover the native flora and fauna and encounter historical landmarks tucked away from the old town's historic center. Campsites are available for visitors who want to stay the night.

Although the town itself was abandoned 150 years ago, Davidsonville Historic State Park is now a bustling center of tourism where visitors can hike, fish or walk into the lives of Arkansas's pioneers.