Nestled in the Ozark foothills between Clinton and Heber Springs, Greers Ferry is among the states five largest lakes. The ferry leaves from the Fairfield Bay Marina four times a day. There was a large auditorium in the middle of the building, and we had a lunchroom, but hot meals were not served. You used to be able to find the storm cellar that was still there. Roads that once led in and out to these communities have now become boat launches. The area is underwater today, with remains of foundational structures primarily. This book is written from my memories. See, before there was Greers Ferry Lake, there was just the Little Red River that flowed through the valley. Today, well, it's a pretty good place to go fishing. All of my vivid childhood memories are at Higden, she said. Arkansas has many attractions, but one of the most interesting ones is the Monte Ne, a spot close to the Missouri border. I was born at home on the family farm, said Murphy, who now lives in Knoxville, Tenn. She is the daughter of Claudia Potter of Stratford, Mo., and the late Billy Potter. William Hope Harvey, a political activist and lawyer, came up with development plans for the massive community of the area in 1901. The lake was 80 degrees in early July, a delightful surprise to northerners used to quick dips in the lake. The first time you log in to our catalog you will need to create an account. There has been flooding in the lake multiple times, and it crested to 483.95 ft. in 1973. I had a desire to preserve some pre-lake history. In 1990, the Great Arkansas Cleanup was developed, based on the Greers Ferry Lake & Little Red River Association model that Mr. Garner started. Greers Ferry Lake is ranked among one of the cleanest, clearest, lakes in the nation. My grandmother, who was a midwife, and my aunt delivered me.. They let me drive it around the park, including into he lake! Arkansas is known for its hill , Deep in the Ozark Mountains in the small town of beaver is something quite beautiful: the Little Golden Gate Bridge of Arkansas. Rating 3 out of 5 . 3DWoodMaps. Through the 1970s, many luxurious neighborhoods were built around the lake, and continue to be built. During the first half of the twentieth century, the flow of the Little Red River was uncontrolled. There are 91 electric sites and 55 non-electric. 1. I suspect its because most of the people who bought them do not use a computer. I even talked with some people this summer who said that the cemeteries are still under there. Location. It's a neat mystery. Manage Settings The project went bankrupt and was sold off in lots. It essentially comprises a boat deck and post office, but it was not like this always. While on a vacation in Fairfield Bay recently, we decided to hike the Sugar Loaf Mountain Island Trail. Sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused! Greers Ferry Lake. Higden still exists today, after relocating to higher ground and keeping its charter and post office. Maybe the city was demolished. Heber. Guess you'll have to go swimming and tell us what you find. The reservoir consists of two lakes connected . She attended Lee University in Cleveland, Tenn., and Arkansas State University-Jonesboro, studying English, speech and business. Greers Ferry Lake is the reservoir formed by Greers Ferry Dam, a United States Army Corps of Engineers dam in Northern Arkansas. Greers Ferry is in Cleburne County. http://visitgreersferrylake.org/ (accessed March 30, 2020). HIGDEN Karen Potter Murphy was born in Higden on Jan. 4, 1945. This wooded lot, located on Pin Oak Road in Fairfield Bay, is situated within a mile of Greers Ferry Lake and offers easy . The dam of Norfork was built with its electric generators, and the lake rose. Manage Settings You can send yourself an email as well. The picture above was taken in 2005 when the water was at historically low levels and the amphitheater was a good place to sit and fish. In April 2008, the lake topped the previous high from 1982. My brother was a senior, and he stayed with some other family members who did not have to relocate, so he was able to graduate with his classmates. Source: Photo by Flickr user Trent Foley used under CC BY-SA 2.0. What makes this trail different from all of the other great hiking trails in Arkansas is that you have to catch a ferry to reach the trailhead. One of the planned dams was across the Little Red River. From 1901 to the mid-1930s, Monte Ne was a planned community featuring a resort. Find this Pin and more on Oh, Arkansas by Janet Smith. I couldn't find anything on Google, so I figured I would come here and try my luck. Several camp grounds and boat docks/ramps offer direct access to the river. Near Greers Ferry Lake in Beautiful Fairfield Bay, Arkansas! Beaver Lake. The two reservoirs combined boast over 545 kilometres of shoreline. The Flood Control Act passed in the late 1930s authorized the Corp of Engineers to build dams across the country to control the major free-flowing rivers. Roads, utilities, cemeteries, a railroad and the entire town of Higden had to be moved. To have a home where you can watch the lake from your back porch while you enjoy a glass of sweet tea? Today, Monte Ne is an incredibly intriguing underwater town in Arkansas. Visit the Sugar Loaf Mountain by taking the shuttle from Fairfield Bay Marina and enjoy panoramic views atop one of the nations first designated National Scenic Trails. Highly rated for its family-friendly amenities. They had a small, white 2-bedroom house, a pump house, a chicken house, a smokehouse, and an outhouse. Various activities are available to the public: swimming, cliff diving, boating, fishing, scuba diving, camping, and other water recreational activities are popular among locals and tourists alike. Neither these AP materials nor any portion thereof may be stored in a computer except for personal and noncommercial use. When I sat down to write, all the details just came back to me, she said. We sure don't think so! It was a brick building with no indoor plumbing. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! We offer a compact version of Go-Arkansas for mobile users, allowing you to access just the information you need on the road. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Be prepared to be an early bird, as Choctaw Campground is known to be well-stocked with a wide-array of game fish. [1][2], Learn how and when to remove this template message, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Greers_Ferry_Lake&oldid=1102815302, This page was last edited on 7 August 2022, at 01:42. Pre-European Exploration, Prehistory through 1540, European Exploration and Settlement, 1541 through 1802, Louisiana Purchase through Early Statehood, 1803 through 1860, Civil War through Reconstruction, 1861 through 1874, Post-Reconstruction through the Gilded Age, 1875 through 1900, Early Twentieth Century, 1901 through 1940, World War II through the Faubus Era, 1941 through 1967, Divergent Prosperity and the Arc of Reform, 19682022, http://www.swl.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation/Lakes/GreersFerryLake.aspx, World War II through the Faubus Era (1941 - 1967). 6757 Greers Ferry Rd, Greers Ferry, AR + Add phone number + Add website + Add hours. This lake is used for hydropower generation and . Yes, the town was moved.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'allaboutarkansas_com-banner-1','ezslot_4',115,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-allaboutarkansas_com-banner-1-0'); Some people say that the entire town of Higen still stands under the water. Browse waterfront homes currently on the market in Greers Ferry AR matching Waterfront. I came upon this lake as a small boy, probably less than ten years old or so and I had an Uncle (Archie) who was the postman around the lake. My brother Ed David would make marbles and bake them on the stove in the house. As water had run down a slate hillside for years it created gullies that looked like waves. Greers Ferry Dam, which created the 40,000-acre lake, dramatically changed this area of north-central Arkansas. In fact, the spring of 1927 brought so many rains to the entire Mississippi Valley that Congress asked the Corps of Engineers to develop a flood control program. Besides the fact that there is not a town under there anymore. Mineral Rights convey. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. > Fish exceeding 20-25 lbs could still swim in the reservoir, and it's possible an AR angler could . Menu. 7. There are so many stories that circle around the building of the Greers Ferry Dam and the town of Higden but it all boils down to one thing: the little town was moved. Honor or memorial gifts are an everlasting way to pay tribute to someone who has touched your life. Hiking, fishing, ATVs, cavesyou can do it , Though our mountains are shorter than most, Arkansas has many beautiful mountains and valleys that make the Natural State breathtaking. Stock photos, 360 images, vectors and videos. The land was purchased, residents left and the city was abandoned, the cemeteries were moved, and the area was allowed to flood. Choctaw Campground. Pre-European Exploration At . Greers Ferry is a town in Arkansas with a population of 902. The campground is open May 15 to September 15.GPS Coordinates: -92.07674, 35.55737. It is often ranked as one of the top ten clearest, cleanest, and most pristine lakes in all of North America. We often met our family living in the area for the annual 4th of July fireworks show. Lake Town Grill. Make your dreams come true on this lovely property nestled in Fairfield Bay's Glen View subdivision. -source. Additional support provided by the Arkansas General Assembly. 6.1 mi (9.9 km) from Greers Ferry. 11. . The construction of the dam required the relocation of families living on the bottomland along the river, and upon the dams completion, a number of communities were submerged, including Miller, Higden, Shiloh, and Edgemont. Time and the River: A History of Cleburne County. It's my understanding that they would usually clear as many trees as they could and demolish most of the buildings whenever they would build a lake, but I could be wrong. There are a lot of steps and steep climbs so be aware. Prior areas of Choctaw, Edgemont, Eglantine, Higden, Miller, Mudtown, and Shiloh are now at the bottom of Greers Ferry Lake. The Greers Ferry National Fish Hatchery, located below the dam, is another popular destination. Her mother (who I always knew as Mrs. Taylor and lived to be 103!) Are there pictures of the town under Greers Ferry Lake? > Mar 1983: Mike Wallace set a new line-class record at Greers Ferry by catching an 18-04 walleye on 4-lb line. Also, houses, even small neighborhoods have been built around the Little Red River. The lake is about 20 miles southeast of Fayetteville and about the same distance northwest of Little Rock. In 1960, construction began simultaneously on the Beaver and Greers Ferry dams. The upper tributaries of the Little Red River are known as the South Fork, the Middle Fork, and the Devils Fork. He was there to officially dedicate Greers Ferry Dam. . The reservoir consists of two lakes connected . Narrows Campground - Greers Ferry Lake in Greers Ferry is rated 5.0 of 10 at RV LIFE Campground Reviews. Kayak, hike, fish, scuba, birdwatch, camp, great music, local food, and friendly people around every corner. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. For ideas and inspiration, check out our list of the best lakes in Arkansas. The Greers Ferry Dam was dedicated by President John F. Kennedy on October 3rd, 1963. *Header Image Courtesy of Arkansas Parks and Tourism, *All Other Images Courtesy of Anne Taylor Bechdoldt. Posted June 25, 2018. As a native Arkansan, I have enjoyed each one of these lakes and I know you will too! Take US-64 East to Bentonville and turn left on US-64/Highway 270. The Beaver Lake underwater town is sure to fascinate you and your crew! They retired to Knoxville to be near their daughter and her family. Also, if you want a home that is move-in ready, you will find plenty of those around Norfork Lake as well. My dad made his last crop in the river bottoms on the first of November in 1959, she recalled. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Some people told me recently that there are cars still parked on the roads down there. For anyone who enjoys swimming, boating, or fishing, Greers Ferry Lake is perfect. Searchable listings of Greers Ferry Lake RV parks and campgrounds. Activities in and around the Greers Ferry Lake will surely keep you busy! (644) $179.95. Interestingly enough, its not the only ghost town in the Natural State. 8.53 acres lot - Lot / Land for sale. . The dams primary function is flood control, but it also serves as a hydroelectric power plant. J.B. Weisenfels has lived in rural Arkansas for three decades. The CALS Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization. Weve had Shiloh Reunions here. Everyone brings their pictures and tells their tales. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. -source, if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'allaboutarkansas_com-leader-1','ezslot_9',105,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-allaboutarkansas_com-leader-1-0');Related articles, The subject of the town under Greers Ferry Lake comes up often among Arkansas residents and people always want to see photos of the town , Have you ever heard of splitting a storm with an axe? Heber Springs, Arkansas is known for several things including world-class trout fishing, the clear waters of Greers Ferry Lake, sailing, hiking, camping and retiring! Especially my uncle, who hooked me up with a neighbor that had a 6 wheel drive ATV, which was very new then. Around this time, the Greers Ferry Lake/Little Red River annual cleanup included the Sugarloaf Mountain in its efforts. Special thanks to the Department of Arkansas Heritage. I went to college in Russellville, Arkansas and spent a lot of time enjoying Lake Dardanelle while I was there. But I lost track of many of my classmates because we moved to Jonesboro.. Historical and haunting, the Arkansas Tuberculosis Sanatorium resides just outside of Booneville. Greers Ferry Lake, created as a result of the dam, is a popular recreational destination. He had already found a replacement farm in Jonesboro, where some other family members lived. per adult. A native Arkansan, she creates art and writes about the day to day victories & failures with family, farming, gardening, cooking & life in general at jeanettadarley.com. Note: it's a dry county, so import your own. Shiloh was one of the small towns that vanished when the Little Red River was flooded to create the lake. This included the Little Red River that flowed near Shiloh and at least three other communities which were eventually submerged. Anne was 15 in 1958 when the filling began. These are perfect places to kick back and enjoy the water! Major support provided through a partnership with the Arkansas Department of Parks & Tourism. Posted on November 1, 2019. I couldn't find photos either. From 1901 to the mid-1930s, Monte Ne was a planned community featuring a resort. I am a big proponent of pollinators. Tucked in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains between Clinton and Heber Springs, Arkansas, Greers Ferry Lake is a recreation paradise waiting to be savored. Constructed in 1966, Beaver Lake is a massive reservoir on the White River. Follow us: Visit us on facebook . Van Buren County, Arkansas is a beautiful area with a variety of natural features including rolling hills, lake and riverfront shores, and the Ozark Plateau. Your email address will not be published. "The Corps constructed Greers Ferry dam, which is more than 1,700 feet long and towers 243 feet above the Little Red River. The man who was in charge of Monte Ne, former Liberty Party presidential candidate William Hope "Coin" Harvey, apparently . Check out this video for some cool drone footage of Oklahoma Row and the lake that surrounds it: Did you know about this Beaver Lake underwater town in Arkansas? Google. Browse photos from across the area, take a virtual tour, or search for the imagery you want to see from in and near Greers Ferry Lake. So, even if a scuba diver went to the bottom of the lake, the visibility would be a zero. Call 501-884-6030 for times and reservations. HIGDEN Karen Potter Murphy was born in Higden on Jan. 4, 1945. Yet Lake Ouachita is only 13 miles from the Spa City of Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas on the East End and on the door steps of the Quartz Crystal Capital of the World, Mount Ida, Arkansas, on the West End. Murphy will attend Thursdays celebration of the 50th anniversary of the dam dedication. Ive always felt something was missing from my life, from high school. There is a town under Norfork Lake if that is any interest to you. There aren't enough food, service, value or atmosphere ratings for Lake Town Grill, Arkansas yet. But what I do know is that I have never seen photos of whats under there. I took it out to Greers Ferry Lake to see what it would do. Required fields are marked *. Maybe check some museums in Greers Ferry or Heber Springs. Heber Springs in which the [U.S. Army] Corps of Engineers explained what was happening, she said. Protect and manage project natural and cultural resources through sustainable environmental . On this lake, there is very little development on the shorelines. Encyclopedia of Arkansas At Beaver Lake, you can actually have waterfront property which is why it makes our list of Best Arkansas Lakes to Live On. Are we talking about the residents in the valley? For additional information: Heres the deal, if youre going to build a dam, youre going to create a lake. It appears that you're using a severely outdated version of Safari on Windows. North Arkansass White River basin, which includes the Little Red River, was among the chosen waterways. Full service Marina, rentals include boats (pontoons, fishing, and ski boats), Jet Skis, kayaks, sups, paddle boats and aqua bicycles. 1 review #3 of 3 Restaurants in Greers Ferry. The hatchery, operated by the U.S. In her spare time she enjoys driving to the nearest creek to sit a while. Popular tourist destinations associated with the lake include the William Carl Garner Visitor Center, eighteen recreational areas offering camping, swimming, and boat access, and three nature trails. Most people snap a few pictures and begin the trek back down to the dock. But what I find so interesting is that the William Carl Garner Visitor Center states that local residents also wanted the dam. You will find them here: 319 Heber Springs Road. 501-362-2333. Today, well, its a pretty good place to go fishing. The man who was in charge of Monte Ne, former Liberty Party presidential candidate William Hope Coin Harvey, apparently wasnt great at managing coins. I went camping and swimming and built sandcastles on the beaches. The sand was so soft and the rocks were covered in moss. Its also just a short 10 minute drive from Mountain Home, Arkansas so youll never be far from what you need! Around three quarters of a mile of the North Fork Rivers opposite side flowed with the blue-green waters of the river. What I remember the best was how friendly everyone was, and how much I loved this summer vacation. And if you match up old maps you can see where the old roads pop out on the other side of the lake. The lowest safe level of the lake with still being able to generate hydroelectric power is 435.0 feet. Nestled in the Ozark Mountains and situated on the north shores of the pristine Greers Ferry Lake, Fairfield Bay offers natural beauty and an active, outdoor lifestyle. What is Heber Springs Arkansas Known For? This means that you wont have a lot of time to rest on top of the mountain before the shuttle arrives to pick you up again. [PHOTOS] Old Highway 25 Campground Review, Things to Do in the Ozark National Forest, The 4 Most Beautiful Mountains in Arkansas, The Little Golden Gate Bridge in Arkansas is Hollywood Worthy, Giant Dinosaurs Can Be Found Deep in the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas. We would catch crawdads and minnows and tadpoles. There was a red clay bank that served as their pottery studio where Anne and her friends would make pinch pots and such. Murphy said the Higden School District was consolidated with the West Side School District, with the high school moving to West Side in 1949 and the other schools in 1952. Give a donation in someones name to mark a special occasion, honor a friend or colleague or remember a beloved family member. The reservoir consists of two lakes connected by a water-filled gorge called the Narrows. Despite the inundation of the majority of the countys most productive farmland, the positive economic impact of the dam and lake was immediate. Recreational activities abound on and off the water. This was the town under lake Norfork that was eventually submerged in Lake Norfork, and its remains are a popular tourist attraction today. [PHOTOS] Old Highway 25 Campground Review, Things to Do in the Ozark National Forest, The 4 Most Beautiful Mountains in Arkansas, The Little Golden Gate Bridge in Arkansas is Hollywood Worthy. Snuggled in the Ouachita Mountain's foothills is the beautiful DeGray Lake, known for its clean water and spectacular shoreline. Scenic Views. Mill Creek Campground is located on the upper lake, southwest of Greers Ferry and has 39 non-electric campsites with vault toilets, a boat launch, and a picnic shelter. What I discovered when I got home was a lot of footage of brown water. Some of the state's well-known ghost towns include: What are some other abandoned places in Arkansas? October 2022. Additional support provided by the Arkansas Community Foundation. Find the perfect greers ferry lake stock photo, image, vector, illustration or 360 image. Published in April, the book is available at amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com. All in one unique place. It is located about 60 miles (100 km) north of Little Rock. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. We invite you to come visit us and enjoy the beauty, wildlife, trails, and nature. For more information, contact 501-918-3025 orcalsfoundation@cals.org. However, it is more than just a tourist spot as there are some interesting facts about the place, besides historical significance. Recently, I was walking through , Chalk Bluff Park in Arkansas is a Civil War battlefield park in the far northeastern part of the state. Start Your Review of Greers Ferry. Just 5 short years later, the lake started to fill up. There are beautiful hiking trails giving a beautiful view of nature and surrounding areas to visitors. Greers Ferry Lake; Cleburne & Van Buren Counties Source: David J. Thomas / Flickr Greers Ferry Lake. Higden residents were moved from the city when the lake was being built. This park is not as well-known as , Are you wondering, Where is the prettiest place in Arkansas? The answer is debatable but Ive got some great ideas for you.