Arkansas is home to six national parks, created to either protect the natural wildlife and habitat or to commemorate a historic event. The parks can be found throughout Arkansas. From the northerly Pea Ridge Military Park to Arkansas National Post Park in the southeast, thousands of visitors head to Arkansas each year to visit these historic places.
Hot Springs National Park, one of Arkansas' oldest national parks, was established in 1921. The Arkansas Post National Memorial was designated as a national park by President Eisenhower in 1960. The Fort Smith National Historic Site became a national park in 1961. Pea Ridge National Military Park was created in 1966 to preserve the history of the famous Civil War battle at Pea Ridge. The Buffalo National River became an officially protected and designated national park in 1972. The sixth national park to be added to the registry was Central High School National Historic Site in 1998.
The Arkansas National Post Memorial is located in Gillett, Arkansas, and the visitors center is open every day. The Buffalo National River, located in both Harrison and St. Joe, is open year-round. The Buffalo Ranger Station located at the park is open daily with the exception of federal holidays. The Central High School Historic Site is located in Little Rock; Fort Smith National Park can be found in Fort Smith. Pea Ridge Park is located in Pea Ridge; it's open daily and with special extended hours during the summer months. Hot Springs National Park is in Hot Springs.
The Buffalo National River and Hot Springs National Parks were both founded to preserve the natural resources and wildlife native to Arkansas. The Buffalo River runs for over 135 miles and has the distinction of being the United States' first national river. Visitors have been coming to Hot Springs National Park for centuries to bathe in the natural hot springs located at the site. Both parks have nearby accommodations including campgrounds open throughout the year.
The Arkansas Post was settled in 1686 and is considered the first French settlement in the area. It is home to the Revolutionary War battle of Colbert Raid and numerous Civil War battles. Fort Smith was first founded in 1817 as a military fort. One of Fort Smith's most notorious residents was Judge Isaac Parker, also known as "The Hanging Judge," who served as judge for over 20 years and ordered six hangings in one day.
Little Rock Central High School National Park is famous for its contribution to the Civil Rights Movement. In 1957, nine African-American students were barred from entering the school even though the Supreme Court had ordered public school integration several years earlier. These nine students faced a group of protesters trying to deny them access to the school. President Eisenhower called on the Army's 101st Airborne to escort the children into the school and to protect the students' rights throughout the remainder of the school year.
Pea Ridge commemorates the famous Battle of Pea Ridge. In March 1862, this Civil War battle played a decisive role in ensuring Missouri did not fall under Confederate control. Pea Ridge has over 7 miles of trails for hiking and outdoor enthusiasts.
Arkansas Post National Memorial - Official NPS guide to the first semi-permanent French settlement in the lower Mississippi River Valley.Buffalo National River - Official NPS guide to the river system, park rangers, and history of the waterway.Fort Smith National Historic Site - Official NPS guide to historic site focused on Fort Smith's military history from 1817 - 1871, western expansion, Judge Isaac C. Parker and the federal court's impact on Indian Territory, U.S. Deputy Marshals and outlaws, Federal Indian policy, and Indian Removal including the Trail of Tears. Hot Springs National Park - Official NPS guide to the hot springs, area sights, and services of the park guides and rangers.Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site - Official NPS guide to historic site focused on the school which became the first fundamental test of the national resolve to enforce African-American civil rights in the face of massive southern defiance during the years following the Brown decision. Pea Ridge National Military Park - National Park Service information on the sites, memorials and exhibits on display at this Civil War battlefield. Hours and location listed.
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