Arkansas might be the last place you’d expect to find a medieval fortress, but the Natural State is full of unexpected surprises, including, you guessed it, an Ozark medieval fortress! When work began on the unique site, it was slated to be a must-see attraction. Unfortunately, it was never completed, and this castle in Arkansas is now abandoned. Today, this abandoned Ozark castle serves as a reminder of what almost was. Take this tour with me of this eerily fascinating fortress to learn the story behind this incomplete, desolate attraction.
Ozark Medieval Fortress – more specifically, its ruins – is located just off the highway in the tiny town of Lead Hill.
The fortress was the brainchild of Michel Guylot, an amateur archaeologist with a passion for castle restoration.
Pretty elaborate, the site was set to include a castle with towers rising 70 feet in the air, a drawbridge, and 6-foot-thick walls surrounding an interior courtyard.
The most distinguishing feature, though, is that it was all going to be built using only the techniques and tools of 13th-century European castle builders.
Surprisingly, the Ozark Medieval Fortress wasn’t Guylot’s first attempt to build a medieval castle using accurate construction methods.
He’s also behind Guédelon Castle in France, which has been under construction since 1997.
And just like its French counterpart, the construction of the Ozark Medieval Fortress was expected to be a lengthy process.
Take a look at the ambition and passion that went into this Ozark castle before it was abandoned:
With a full-time team of 30 artisans, along with volunteers, the project was slated to take 20 years, meaning it wouldn’t be complete until 2030!
Almost immediately after breaking ground, visitors were allowed on-site to observe the costumed artisans at work.
Animals and livestock were also incorporated into the site, adding to the old-fashioned vibes.
Though things got off to a great start, work on the fortress came to a halt in 2012, just a few years after it began and more than 10 years short of its expected completion date.
So, why did the project come to a halt? Apparently, there was a lack of funds. And without a buyer or investor, there was no other option but to cease construction.
Left untouched for years, the site seems as if it's frozen in time...and it's eerily fascinating.
Want more abandoned places in Arkansas? If so, check out this YouTube video by MostAmazingTop10 highlighting some truly terrifying places.
https://youtu.be/MfdQX97WroE?si=Cdwiw_nc9HLACLsL
Unfortunately, folks are prohibited from entering the site of the remnants of the Ozark Medieval Fortress. But you can check out this map to see the location of the royal-themed ruins.
So, did you know about this castle in Arkansas? Did you visit during its construction? If so, what’d you think? Know of another interesting, abandoned place? Tell us in the comments!
Looking for another eerily fascinating spot to explore? Here are some of the most interesting, abandoned places in Arkansas. Or check out these unique attractions in Arkansas that we recommend.
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