With a name like Smackover, chances are, you’ve heard of this tiny town located about 100 miles south of Little Rock. However, with only 1,600 residents, this historic small town in Arkansas might not be on your radar. But Arkansans should be proud that Smackover has played a significant role in the petroleum history of the country. In fact, the town became famous as the location of one of America’s largest oil reservoirs. Today, Smackover, Arkansas has preserved its legacy as an oil boomtown, and its rich history is one that we will explore. Arkansans, let's learn more about the history of this tiny but mighty town.
Incorporated in 1922, Smackover is an oil boom town that has kept on thriving. This historic small town in Arkansas was first settled by the French in the early 18th century.
And its name is derived from the French who called the area Sumac Couvert meaning covered in sumac bushes. The name then evolved to become Smackover, and you won't ever forget it.
After the discovery of one of the largest oil reservoirs in the country, Smackover became a nationwide phenomenon.
Folks traveled from near and far to get a piece of the oil pie and the town eventually grew to up to 25,000 residents.
Additionally, the discovery led to millions of dollars of investment into Arkansas’ oil industry. As you drive through Smackover, you’ll notice lots of relics that are reminders of an era from long ago.
Including old oil pumps as well as this vintage stop light that is nestled in the middle of downtown.
Fun fact: this is the only pedestal stoplight of its kind in Arkansas. It is recognized in the Congressional Records. How cool is that?
The entire downtown is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. And the historic district is lined with commercial-style buildings that reflect a once-booming petroleum industry.
But if you would like to get a true sense of the history of this town, head to the Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources.
This museum and state park is overflowing with artifacts and equipment from the oil booming past of yesteryears. Moreover, you’ll see a working replica of a 112-foot oil derrick along with an oil pump.
Inside you’ll find a boomtown with vintage gas pumps, cars, and trucks as well as a model of a 1920s jail and cafe.
If that weren’t enough, there’s also a time travel elevator that takes you back 2 million years ago, plus a cool theater, where you can watch a film about the oil industry.
Plus, the town also hosts yearly festivals to celebrate and preserve its rich petroleum history that never died. If you're a history buff, you'll find plenty to do and see here.
Have you ever been to this historic small town in Arkansas? If so, share your experience in the comments below. To learn more about the history of Smackover, Arkansas, visit the City of Smackover website. Also, be sure to visit the Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources website, too.
Are you searching for another small town to explore? Here’s a tiny town in Arkansas with lots of historical sites.
https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/arkansas/small-town-with-lots-of-historic-places-ar/
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