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Experiences|Sights & Landmarks

Travel Back To Prehistoric Times By Visiting Arkansas’ Very Own Ancient Mounds

Toltec Mounds Archeological State Park in Arkansas features the state's tallest American Indian mounds, offering a direct link to prehistoric times.

Published Jun 24, 2021

Written by 

Sarah McCosham

Arkansas really is such a gem of a state, full of rich history and hidden wonders everywhere you turn -- and often where you'd least expect. Toltec Mounds Archeological State Park is one of those special treasures. This state park is home to Arkansas' tallest American Indian mounds, providing visitors a direct link to a prehistoric time. Toltec Mounds is a wonderful place to visit, and the perfect day trip adventure in The Natural State. Let's travel back to prehistoric times, shall we?

Toltec Mounds Archaeological State Park is one of those places in Arkansas that will take you by surprise.

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Alan Stroman/Google Local

For within this park's expansive grounds, you'll find one of the largest and most impressive archeological sites in the Lower Mississippi River Valley.

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The State Parks of Arkansas/Facebook

A National Historic Landmark, Toltec Mounds is home to Arkansas’ tallest, most well-preserved American Indian mounds.

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Chase Carmichael/Google Local

These ancient earthworks date as far back as 650 to 1050 A.D., and are the remains of the Plum Bayou people. Beneath these mounds, archaeologists have found artifacts that trace this ancient culture's migration and history.

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Bryan B/Google Local

Three mounds remain where 18 once stood, and you can get an up-close look at these wonders along the park's trails -- which are both handicap-accessible and family friendly.

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Sohrob/Google Local

Standing 48 feet tall, "Mound A" is currently the tallest Native American mound in Arkansas.

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Farther Along/Flickr

Put in perspective, that's almost as tall as a five-story building.

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Arkansas Archeological Survey - Toltec Mounds Research Station/Facebook

To build this massive mound in prehistoric Arkansas, the Plum Bayou people likely used digging sticks and baskets for hauling the dirt. That's it.

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The State Parks of Arkansas/Facebook

Wandering through the state park and admiring the mounds, you will be transported to another time.

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The State Parks of Arkansas/Facebook

Toltec Mounds is a humbling reminder that the past, and history, is never truly buried; rather, it's something we're living every day.

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The State Parks of Arkansas/Facebook

Toltec Mounds Archeological State Park really is one of Arkansas' most incredible wonders, and it's incredible to learn about the amazing people who once called this area home. Have you visited these ancient mounds before?

If you're as intrigued by the past as we are, these 10 historic towns in Arkansas all make for pretty fantastic day trips, too!

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Experiences|Sights & Landmarks

The Incredible Church In Arkansas That Has Been Left In Ruins

Published Mar 28, 2024

Written by 

Melanie Johnson

If you've driven through Helena at the corner of York and Columbia Street, chances are you've seen the Centennial Baptist Church. This gorgeous church was once a prominent place for community members to gather and worship. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, this church is now in ruins. However, the legacy of this abandoned church in Arkansas still lives on. Here at OIYS, we love to cover historical places and tell the stories of Arkansas' rich history.

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Built in 1905, the Centennial Baptist Church is a gorgeous Gothic-style Revival that reflects architectural excellence. The brainchild of Henry James Price, a church parishioner, it's the only building in Arkansas designed by an African American architect.

Historic brick church with arched windows and a tall steeple, set against a clear blue sky.
Brandonrush, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Starting in 1879, with the leadership of renowned Pastor Elias Camp Morris, this historical church became a prominent place for the community to worship. As pastor, Morris grew the congregation to more than 1,000 members and remained pastor until his death in 1922.

Sign for Centennial Baptist Church, detailing its history and significance in the African American community.
Dave Wilson/Google

Eventually, it became the headquarters for the National Baptist Convention, USA, which was an organization established by Morris.

The church was eventually abandoned in 2003, and in 2020, tornados passed through the area and as you can see, a big chunk of the church suffered significant damages. Of course, this didn't help with chances of restoration.

A damaged church with a collapsed roof, surrounded by greenery and a street, with a police car nearby.
Courtvonderhaas, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

While efforts were being made to preserve the structure, the storm was a major setback. No repairs have been done since, so the church still sits with the gaping hole and left in ruins.

A historic church in disrepair, with a nearby informational sign, set against a cloudy sky and empty street.
Dave Wilson/Google

It's sad to see this legendary church in the state that it's in. Thankfully, due to its significance, it was placed on the National Historical Places in 1987 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 2003.

A dilapidated church with a collapsed roof, surrounded by a fence, on a rainy street.
Dave Wilson/Google

Over the years, nature has reclaimed the space. But I find something quite beautiful seeing this Gothic building adorned with the growing vines.

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Abandoned brick building with ivy-covered towers and a partially collapsed roof under a blue sky with clouds.
Joe Spake/Google

The next time you find yourself driving through Helena, be sure to stop by this abandoned church and think about its rich history and the incredible legacy it has left behind.

Abandoned building covered in ivy, with a damaged roof, surrounded by overgrown grass and a chain-link fence.
Google Maps

Did you know about this abandoned church in Arkansas? If so, share with us what you know. Learn more about Centennial Baptist Church by visiting the Preserve Arkansas website.

Love to explore abandoned places? Here's a road trip featuring some more abandoned places in Arkansas.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/arkansas/abandoned-ar-road-trip/

Or check out this website with some historical places in Arkansas that are worth visiting.

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Experiences|Sights & Landmarks

Crossing This 150-Year-Old Bridge In Arkansas Is Like Walking Through History

Published Feb 1, 2024

Written by 

Melanie Johnson

As the oldest remaining iron bowstring truss bridge in Arkansas, you can only imagine the amount of history tied to the Springfield-Des Arc Bridge. Built in 1874 to link Springfield to the steamboat hub of Des Arc, this 150-year-old relic has stood the test of time. And after flooding, fires, vandalism, and more, this bridge has lived on to tell its story. Let’s head to Beaverfork Park Lake in Conway to stroll across this historic bridge in Arkansas.

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From a distance, this well constructed arch bridge sitting over Lake Beaverfork looks pretty normal. But what you may not know is that this bridge is the oldest of its kind in Arkansas.

Aerial view of a serene lake with a bridge, surrounded by lush greenery and lily pads.
Johnny Hooper, GRI/Google

Originally built in 1874 over Cadron Creek in Faulkner-Conway County, the Springfield-Des Arc Bridge has experienced a lot throughout its 150+year history.

A black and white photo of a bridge over a calm river, surrounded by lush trees and greenery.
Taft, Louise T.Related names:King, ZenasKing Bridge Manufactory and Iron WorksPreston, George B, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The bridge was constructed to connect Springfield to the steamboat port on the White River. So, of course, it became a popular route for folks traveling in the area.

However, from the time it was constructed until 1982, the bridge was damaged by extreme flooding. Attempts were made to save the bridge, and it was even added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1988.

An old, abandoned arch bridge surrounded by lush green trees and overgrown vegetation.
Valis55, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Shortly after restoration efforts were made in 1991, the bridge began to decay and was eventually vandalized with graffiti and fires. Luckily, in 2011, Faulkner County Historical Society and Workin' Bridges of Grinnell Iowa coordinated efforts for a final rescue of this significant bridge.

An old, rusty bridge spans a calm river, with sunlight filtering through trees, creating a serene atmosphere.
Josh C/Google

It was restored and relocated to Beaverfork Lake Park in Conway, where it is enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.

Aerial view of a serene lake with a boat ramp, grassy areas, and wooded surroundings on a sunny day.
Conway, Arkansas, City of Colleges/Facebook

Today, fully renovated and used only for pedestrian traffic, this historic bridge has a lot of life left in it. And if you ask us, it's worth a visit.

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A rusted metal bridge arches over a calm lake, surrounded by green trees and a clear blue sky.
Teresa Gorecke/Google

So, plan a day trip to Beaverfork Lake Park, where you can enjoy kayaking, fishing, swimming, and more. And while you're there, stroll across this timeless relic and read about its tumultuous but fascinating history.

Two people in a kayak on a calm lake, with a sandy beach and greenery in the background.
Tammie Hunn/Google

The Springfield-Des Arc Bridge is truly one of Arkansas’ treasured gems.

So, what do you think about this historic bridge in Arkansas? Have you had a chance to stroll across this 150-year-old relic? If so, tell us about it in the comments below.

And if you plan a trip to see the bridge, we found a great hotel in Conway that's less than 10 minutes away from the park.

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