On the surface, Calico Rock looks like a normal, small town tucked along the banks of the White River. It boasts shopping, museums, natural picturesque landscapes, as well as an adorable café that is also a printing press. But what lies within its borders is unlike that of any other town in America. In fact, it is the only town of its kind, where part of the town is an abandoned ghost town being reclaimed by nature. Step inside this fascinating ghost town in Arkansas and be amazed by what you’ll find.
Welcome to the tiny town of Calico Rock, a gorgeous historic town adjacent to the Ozark National Forest. This means there are lots of scenic trails and vistas that attract visitors every year.
This unique town was at its peak during the early 1900s when the railroads were constructed.
The thriving town became a major hub for steamboats as well as for the railroad industry. But by the 1960s, the train no longer made stops there, which resulted in the decline of the town.
Additionally, the town also suffered tremendously from major flooding that ravaged the region. As a result, many of the businesses closed and the folks who lived in the area had no choice but to seek employment elsewhere.
Consequently, the population of Calico Rock dwindled to about 900 residents. Today, all that’s left are the abandoned buildings that have been reclaimed by nature for many decades.
The eerie ghost town is located on the eastern edge of Calico Rock and consists of about 20 buildings, each with a story to tell. They include a cotton gin, a funeral home, a movie theater, hotels, a jail, and car dealerships, just to name a few.
The ghost town, also known as Peppersauce (moonshine that was once sold in the area), is the only ghost town in the country that is within the limits of an actual living town.
Each year, it attracts many visitors, who explore the area on a self-guided tour. Walking across the bridge will send chills down your spine.
You’ll notice that many of the buildings have broken out windows and are covered in vines that have spread over the years.
The structure of the old funeral home remains intact and there are several items that were left behind. They serve as an eerie reminder of the demise the town suffered.
All the buildings are private property, so do respect the warning signs about entering them.
There are markers that tell the story of all the buildings, so you’ll gain lots of history from walking through this ghost town.
Perhaps the most fascinating building is the old jail. It used to house rowdy patrons who frequented the local taverns drinking that “peppersauce.”
We can only begin to imagine the debauchery that took place inside the borders of this town.
If you’re fascinated by abandoned places, then you should add this ghost town in Arkansas to your list. Peppersauce Ghost Town will forever be part of Calico Rock’s legacy for many years to come.
Be sure to also explore the rest of Calico Rock, as it’s a gorgeous town with a charming historic district.
Would you live in a town that has a ghost town inside of it? Share your thoughts about Calico Rock in the comments below.
And if you visit Calico Rock and need a place to stay, consider these secluded cabins with stellar views.
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