museums, historic architecture, and historic cemeteries
museumsMarianna- Lee County Museum
Venture up to the second floor of the 1911 Community House and you’ll find a time capsule of local history from Native American relics to Civil War memorabilia to early 20th century artifacts and more. Call ahead and schedule a tour of the Museum exhibits. Exhibits include:
Call ahead to schedule a tour. Located in same building as Chamber of Commerce office so there is usually someone there during regular business hours to let you in for a self-guided tour. Free Admission Located in the Marianna Chamber of Commerce 870-295-2469 chamcom@cablelynx.com Louisiana Purchase Historic State Park
Stand in the exact spot where early pioneers surveyed the initial point of the Louisiana Purchase. Follow the 950-foot boardwalk through a protected headwater swamp - a vanishing natural environment once common in the Mid-South. Meander along the boardwalk until you reach the granite marker that marks the initial survey point of what became 13 states. The boardwalk is lined with markers that tell the story of earlier Spanish settlers and offers interesting facts about the unique ecological wonders that cover the park's 37.5 acres. The park is located 22 miles south of Brinkley (exit I-40 at Brinkley) off U.S. Highway 49 then east on Arkansas Highway 362 -“follow two miles to the park. The Louisiana Purchase State Park is located right outside of the Gladlands Region, but considered a very important part of our history Arkansas State Parks Little Rock, Arkansas 501-682-1191 |
Historic Architecture and homesFor a comprehensive list of the historically significant and beautiful architecture and homes in the Gladlands, click the link below.
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Historical Cemeteries
Catholic Cemetery
Forrest City, AR Description: Known as the Original City Cemetery or Forrest City Cemetery. It is located behind the St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. The cemetery has been active since the mid-19th century to the present.
Mt. Vernon Cemetery
Forrest City, AR Description: Oldest active cemetery in St. Francis County. Begun about 1854 as a family cemetery by the Mallory Family. The cemetery is named after the early settlement, Mt. Vernon. Scott Bond Family Plot
Madison, AR Description: The Scott Bond Family Plot is listed on the National Register of Historical Places. The 1933 burial plot is the final resting place of Scott Winfield Bond. Scott Bond was born a slave and became Arkansas's first African American self-made millionare. He was primarily a farmer, but owned and operated several other businesses. Additionally, he managed apple and peach orchards, along with operations in timber and livestock. Loughridge Cemetery
Cross County, AR Description: The Loughridge Cemetery is located close to the St. Francis County line. Consequently, many of St. Francis County's pioneers were buried here. The oldest burial is dated 1826. Patterson Branch Marker
Marianna, AR Description: The Patterson Branch Historical Marker marks the site where the first child of Anglo-Saxon parents was born west of the Mississippi River. Patterson was born in 1790 and died in 1886. |