Arkansas Post, Arkansas, Arkansas County is a fascinating ghost town with a rich history that dates back to its founding as the first European settlement in the Mississippi River Valley. Once a bustling epicenter of trade and commerce, it now stands as a symbol of the passage of time and the shifting tides of history. Below is detailed information about the town.
County: Arkansas County
Zip Code: Not available
Latitude / Longitude: 34.0167° N, 91.3400° W
Elevation: Approximately 164 feet (50 meters)
Time Zone: Central Time Zone (CT)
Established: 1686
Disestablished: Not officially disestablished, but declined notably in the 19th century
Comments: The history of European settlement dates to 1686, when Henri de Tonti, a French soldier and explorer associated with René Robert Cavelier, Sieur de la Salle’s explorations of the Mississippi River, established a fur trading post at this site to promote trade with the Quapaw people, whose village of Osotouy was nearby. He also traded with other Native Americans in the region.
The area of the trading post and associated historic settlement, located on what is now a peninsula, has been designated a National Memorial and National Historic Landmark as a site of long-term strategic importance. After the Louisiana Purchase brought this region under United States control, it was designated the Arkansas Territory.
Due to its regional importance, Arkansas Ghost Townkansas Post was chosen as the first territorial capital (1819–1821) of Arkansas Territory; the capital was moved to Little Rock in 1821. Arkansas Post is the first European settlement in the lower Mississippi River Valley, established by Henri de Tonti, a French explorer. Throughout its history, it served various roles, including as a trading post, a military fort, and even the capital of the Arkansas Territory.
Its strategic location made it a focal point during conflicts such as the American Revolutionary War and the Civil War.
Remains: Today, much of the original settlement has been lost to time and the natural changes the Arkansas River brings. However, remnants of the past can still be found at the Arkansas Post National Memorial, which preserves the site’s historical significance. Visitors can explore the area and see reconstructed buildings, historical markers, and interpretive trails.
Current Status: Arkansas Post is now part of the Arkansas Post National Memorial, managed by the National Park Service. It serves as a historical site open to the public, providing insight into the early colonial history of the United States and the diverse cultural interactions that took place there.
Remarks: Arkansas Post’s legacy vividly reminds us of the complex history of settlement, conflict, and cultural exchange in the American South. Despite its decline as a populated center, its historical importance continues to attract visitors and researchers intrigued by its past. The site offers educational programs and events that highlight its significance in American history.
