This is one of the smaller Arkansas State Parks that I've been to. Total park area is approximately 164 acres, some of which is undeveloped. The park sits adjacent to Jacksonport, Arkansas, a small town of about 200 people. In its hay days in the late 1800s, Jacksonport was said to be home to around 25,000 souls. If true, this would have made it one of the largest cities in Arkansas during that time period. The town is located at the confluence of the White River and the Black River. Jacksonport was a busy commercial port for paddlewheel steam ships bring in goods and commodities and hauling local products off to market elsewhere. Jacksonport was the county seat of Jackson County during that time. However, once the railroad bypassed the town for nearby Newport, the population began to dwindle and people moved to Newport to be nearer the railroad. Today, all that remains is a small town and the state park.
One of the primary attractions is the old court house, circa 1872, which is on the national register of historic places. After the county seat moved to Newport, the court house had been transferred into private ownership and was in a state of great disrepair when the Jackson County Historical Society acquired the building in the early 1960s and began repairs and restoration. A short time later, the court house and surrounding property were absorbed into the Arkansas State Parks system. Today, the court house is configured as a museum. Admission is free, and there are many exhibits to view and enjoy.
Also on the grounds is a civil war monument and cannon. The tour guide indicated that following Lee's surrender to Grant, Jacksonport was designated as an official surrender site for confederate forces and soldiers who were in the vicinity. They came here to lay down their arms and were in turn provided with food and clothing by the union army.
There are about 20 camp sites with a bath house and restroom facilities, a swimming beach on the White River, and a nature trail along the river. A sternwheel steamboat was on display prior to 2010 when it sank and was removed after being deemed unsalvageable. There are plans for the construction of a new visitor center at the location of the civil war monument, which would be re-located. There are several events held here throughout the year.
Jacksonport State Park is absolutely worth a stop if you're in the area or have a particular interest in the civil war and post civil war eras. read more
