Jacksonport State Park

History
Due to its location near the confluence of the Black and White Rivers, the Jacksonport area evolved as a trade center during the late 1700's. Two trappers, Cartwright and Leausuteau, established a camp on the banks of nearby Jacks Creek in the early 1820's. In 1833, Thomas Todd Tunstall, the first steamboat pilot to venture up the White River, bought land and established the town of Jacksonport. As the area prospered and grew, it developed into a busy steamboat port. Burly stevedores loaded timber, bear grease, cotton bales and wild game on the steamboats. The county seat was moved to Jacksonport from Augusta in 1854. The peak of Jacksonport's influence came in the decades before and after the Civil War. Steamboats from the Arkansas and Mississippi Rivers docked at the town year-round.

During the Civil War, Jacksonport was occupied by both Confederate and Union armies due to its strategic position. Five Major Generals used the town as their headquarters during the Civil War. On June 5, 1865, Confederate General Jeff Thompson, "Swampfox of the Confederacy," surrendered 6,000 troops to Lt. Colonel C. W. Davis at the Jacksonport steamboat landing.

The courthouse, constructed in 1869 by John A. Schnabel, utilizes brick made in Jacksonport and rests on a foundation of Izard County limestone. The beams of the mansard roof are hand-hewn from the heartwood of native cypress. The Iron Mountain & Southern Railroad began laying track through Jackson County in the 1870s. It planned to cross the White River at Jacksonport but the steamboat operators and townspeople would not give permission for the right-of-way. The railroad moved the river bridge to Newport, 6 miles to the south. Jacksonport continued to be an important steamboat landing for 25 years. Though the town kept its faith in the river, trade and life eventually passed it by. The county seat moved to Newport in 1891, and Jefferson Street, with its mercantile houses, wharves, livery stables and saloons, slowly vanished.

In 1962, the Jackson County Historical Society purchased the Jacksonport Courthouse with privately donated funds. Restoration began the next year, featuring replacement of doors and windows as memorials by pioneer families of Jackson County. In 1964, a portion of the town from the courthouse square, including the steamboat landing, was bought by the Society. Jacksonport became a state park by an Act of the Arkansas Legislature in 1965. The Arkansas Department of Parks & Tourism has continued restoration and development of the park with the support of the Historical Society. In 1970, the courthouse was included on the National Register of Historic Places.

Courthouse Displays
On the ground floor, period rooms illustrate the history of Jackson County from its Indian background to the early years of the twentieth century. The War Memorial Room displays uniforms and relics of the wars in which Jackson County soldiers have served.

Upstairs, nine-foot double doorways, surmounted by beautiful fanlight windows, open onto wrought iron balconies at each end of the building. A matching doorway leads into the courtroom from the hall. The judge's bench, barrister's railing and tiered benches are in their original position in the courtroom. Golden-tongued oratory of a bygone day once rang through these old halls, and political "speakings" were given from the balconies. With benches pushed back against the walls, the courtroom was also used for gala balls and celebrations.

Another point of interest in the park is the Carriage House which houses four 19th century vehicles: a buckboard, buggy, surrey and a sulky used in racing thoroughbred horses from the surrounding plantations. A brick privy, originally lined with walnut, can also be viewed along the courthouse square. Docked at the water's edge is the Mary Woods No. 2, a rehabilitated White River steamboat. A small fee is charged for touring the Mary Woods.

Facilities

Camping - Jacksonport offers a unique camping experience. Twenty Class "A" campsites with all the conveniences are set along the banks of the White River. A barrier-free bathhouse/rest room is located in the campground.

Other Facilities - A tree-shaded picnic area within a stone's throw of the river offers a fun place for family and friends to gather at the park. Restrooms are nearby and a pavilion is available for rent. The Visitor Center (courthouse) also houses a gift shop where visitors can find souvenirs of their trip to historic Jacksonport.

NOTE: Campers must register at the courthouse before occupying a site. All sites are assigned; limited reservations available. The pavilion must be reserved at the courthouse before being used (deposit required).

Location
From State Highway 67 in Newport, take State Highway 69 just three miles north.

For further information on park hours and fees, contact:

Jacksonport State Park
P.O. Box 8
Jacksonport, AR 72075
Telephone: (501) 523-2143

For information on Arkansas' other fine state parks, contact:

Arkansas State Parks
One Capitol Mall, 4A-900
Little Rock, AR 72201
Telephone: (501) 682-1191

All park services are provided on a nondiscriminatory basis. Arkansas State Parks is an Equal Opportunity Employer.