Herman Davis State Park
Herman Davis State Park is a small park dedicated to the memory of a World War I hero, often considered one of the greatest heroes of the state of Arkansas. Private Herman Davis was listed fourth on General John "Blackjack" Pershing's list of 100 patriots in 1919. Today Herman Davis is honored with a one acre park and a statue located in Manila, Arkansas.
Herman Davis
Herman Davis was born in 1888, and grew up east of Manila, among the many lakes and rivers which now make up the Big Lake Wildlife Refuge and Management area. Davis, past 30 years of age when he began his military service, was made a sharpshooter when his skills as a hunter were discovered. In 1918, he managed to take down several Germans under heavy fire, allowing the troops to take a deep valley near Verdun. He is credited with several acts of bravery totaling around 26 enemy causalities.
Herman Davis State Park
Fund raising for the park began as soon as Herman Davis passed away in 1923. Local children collected pennies, and together with other efforts, the town raised 5,000 dollars to commission a statue in honor of Herman Davis. The park area was donated by the town, and now a peaceful one acre park surrounds the statue, and an obelisk honors the heroic solider.
Herman Davis State Park is a small park honoring one of the great heroes of Arkansas. The statue and obelisk serve as a reminder of his acts of bravery during World War I. Parks like this are a great asset to any community and can provide a peaceful respite from the bustle of everyday life.