Buzz on the Bus News and notes for bus tour planners Louisiana Purchase Historic State Park Louisiana Purchase Historic State Park, located near Brinkley, reopened in April after renovations to preserve this National Historic Landmark. While smaller than most Arkansas state parks, the site is of major significance. The park protects the initial point of the Louisiana Purchase Survey of 1815, which is a vital, fixed coordinate for land surveying across the western United States. The initial point was later rediscovered by land surveyors in 1921. Then in 1926, the Daughters of the American Revolution placed a granite monument commemorating its significance. The nearly 40-acre plot that surrounds the granite monument was acquired by Arkansas State Parks in 1961. Water tupelos and cypress trees tower above the wetlands, transporting visitors back in time through land untouched by the surrounding agricultural industry. This headwater swamp environment is one of the few remaining; it was added to the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission’s System of Natural Areas in 1977. In 1993, the site was designated a National Historic Landmark.
Louisiana Purchase Historic State Park
For nearly 100 years, the granite monument rested in the bed of the wetlands.
intendent Molly Elders said. “We’ve also
Arkansas Delta Byways Launches
Over time, the monument began to sink.
cleaned and repaired the boardwalk, installed
New Tourism Games
Today, you can walk a winding 800-foot,
a vault restroom facility and made walkway
elevated boardwalk through the wetlands
and parking lot improvements.”
area to reach the location of the granite
“The park is one of the most historic
Submitted by Delta Byways Arkansas Delta Byways, one of the 12 regional tourist associations recognized by
places in Arkansas. It is the roots of America’s
Arkansas Tourism, has introduced two new
“In the past, the monument was often
settlement west of the Mississippi River. I’m
interactive games – a trivia game and a
monument.
submerged in the wetlands. To protect this
delighted that it is once again open to the
Scenic Byways Challenge – aimed at
historic landmark, we have raised the mon-
public with great improvements to its
educating visitors and residents about the
ument from the waters and set a new base,”
access,” State Parks Recreation and Travel
historical region.
Louisiana Purchase Historic State Park Super
Commissioner John Gill said.
4 • Bus Tours Magazine / September, 2021
