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Mammoth Spring State Park is a Arkansas state park in Fulton County, Arkansas in the United States. The park is located surrounding
Prior to 1957, the Mammoth Spring Cattle Sales Barn was co-owned and run by local entrepreneur Kenneth "Bert" Bishop and his associate, roughly on the site where the tourist information center now stands. Local farmers would routinely come to the site to sell livestock and other wares, such as Howard Green, who sold home-made walking sticks. Following this period in history, the State legislature voted to condemn the land and turn the spot into a state park. 1957, the park was established. The original Frisco Depot, and 1885 Victorian train station, was restored in 1971. The depot now functions as a museum, containing artifacts and memorabilia; it was listed on the National Register in 1992.
Mammoth Spring State Park
{{authority control State parks of Arkansas Museums in Fulton County, Arkansas Railroad museums in Arkansas Protected areas of Fulton County, Arkansas National Register of Historic Places in Fulton County, Arkansas National Natural Landmarks in Arkansas Dams on the National Register of Historic Places in Arkansas Railway stations on the National Register of Historic Places in Arkansas Former St. Louis–San Francisco Railway stations Former railway stations in Arkansas
National Natural Landmark
The National Natural Landmarks (NNL) Program recognizes and encourages the conservation of outstanding examples of the natural history of the United States. It is the only national natural areas program that identifies and recognizes the best ...
of the same name to provide recreation and interpretation for visitors. The park offers fishing, boating and hiking in addition to an Arkansas Welcome Center and restored 1886 St. Louis–San Francisco Railway
The St. Louis–San Francisco Railway , commonly known as the "Frisco", was a railroad that operated in the Midwest and South Central United States from 1876 to April 17, 1980. At the end of 1970, it operated of road on of track, not includi ...
(Frisco) depot operating as a railroad museum. The site became a state park in 1957, but the park continued to add area until 1975.
Mammoth Spring
Originating in the park, Mammoth Spring averages a flow rate of per hour of water. Rainfall in southern Missouri percolates into the ground, flows through Grand Gulf State Park and reemerges as Mammoth Spring in Arkansas.History
In 1887, the Mammoth Spring Improvement and Water Power Company constructed the limestone dam which created Spring Lake. This dam initially powered a flour mill, cotton mill, and cotton gin. This property was acquired in 1925 by the Arkansas-Missouri Power Company, which constructed a hydroelectric facility that was operated until 1972. The company donated this property to the state to become part of the state park. These facilities, including the lake, are listed on theNational Register of Historic Places
The National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) is the United States federal government's official list of districts, sites, buildings, structures and objects deemed worthy of preservation for their historical significance or "great artistic ...
.
Prior to 1957, the Mammoth Spring Cattle Sales Barn was co-owned and run by local entrepreneur Kenneth "Bert" Bishop and his associate, roughly on the site where the tourist information center now stands. Local farmers would routinely come to the site to sell livestock and other wares, such as Howard Green, who sold home-made walking sticks. Following this period in history, the State legislature voted to condemn the land and turn the spot into a state park. 1957, the park was established. The original Frisco Depot, and 1885 Victorian train station, was restored in 1971. The depot now functions as a museum, containing artifacts and memorabilia; it was listed on the National Register in 1992.
Recreation
The park offers a visitor center/Arkansas Welcome Center to interpret the history of the region. A short walking trail leads to the restored train depot that formerly provided a connection for the city of Mammoth Spring to the Frisco Railway. Items of historical significance from the surrounding area, including a restoredcaboose
A caboose is a crewed North American railroad car coupled at the end of a freight train. Cabooses provide shelter for crew at the end of a train, who were formerly required in railway switch, switching and Shunting (rail), shunting, keeping a l ...
, are on display in the museum. The former hydroelectric plant and mill nearby allow visitors to understand the economic importance the spring had to the early development of the nearby city. A pavilion, picnic areas, baseball field, and playground are available for visitors as well. Seasonal boat rentals on Spring Lake can be obtained at the visitor center.
See also
*National Register of Historic Places listings in Fulton County, Arkansas
__NOTOC__
This is a list of the National Register of Historic Places listings in Fulton County, Arkansas.
This is intended to be a complete list of the properties on the National Register of Historic Places in Fulton County, Arkansas, Fulton Cou ...
References
External links
Mammoth Spring State Park
{{authority control State parks of Arkansas Museums in Fulton County, Arkansas Railroad museums in Arkansas Protected areas of Fulton County, Arkansas National Register of Historic Places in Fulton County, Arkansas National Natural Landmarks in Arkansas Dams on the National Register of Historic Places in Arkansas Railway stations on the National Register of Historic Places in Arkansas Former St. Louis–San Francisco Railway stations Former railway stations in Arkansas