The Story Behind This Ghost Town Cemetery In Arkansas Will Chill You To The Bone
By Daniella DiRienzo|Published October 04, 2021
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Daniella DiRienzo
Author
Though Daniella was born in New York and has lived in a couple of other states, Mississippi has been her home for more than 30 years. After graduating from the University of Southern Mississippi, Daniella began to hone her writing skills through various internships. In the years since, she’s had the privilege of having her articles appear in several publications, such as the Mississippi-based Parents & Kids Magazine. She’s also had the honor of interviewing actress Sela Ward for The Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience.
Hidden within the depths of an Arkansas forest, Pioneer Cemetery is the final resting place for roughly two dozen souls. One of the cemetery’s occupants isn’t exactly resting in peace, though. It’s said that the spirit of a young girl buried in the graveyard haunts the grounds, which, according to some, isn’t too surprising since the cemetery isn’t far from where she met her tragic demise.
Pioneer Cemetery is situated on Rich Mountain in the Ouachita National Forest in Mena, just west of Queen Wilhelmina State Park.
A national forest might seem like a strange place for a cemetery, but the land wasn’t acquired by the National Park Service until 1923 – long after the cemetery’s creation in the 1800s.
Established at the time of the Civil War, the community was comprised of several families looking to escape the ravages of war. Signage at the site provides some background on the area’s history.
There are a total of 23 graves in the cemetery. And while the number of those interred is certain, the identity of the occupants remains somewhat of a mystery.
Only one of the 23 graves has a headstone. The rest of the graves are marked with native rocks, which feature markings that are no longer legible. Signage at the cemetery lists the names of those believed to be buried in Pioneer Cemetery.
The date of the first burial is another mystery. However, the identity of the graveyard’s first occupant isn’t as ambiguous.
Many believe a young girl from the Wilkerson family was the first person buried at Pioneer Cemetery. Whether or not she was the first, doesn’t make her story any less tragic. According to legend, the Wilkersons were among the families who lived on Rich Mountain. During one extremely cold winter, the entire Wilkerson family – except for the teenage daughter – fell ill. At one point, the daughter went out into the cold to fetch either firewood or water (there are a few versions of the story). While out, she encountered a pack of wolves and was forced to take refuge in a tree. Sadly, her frozen corpse was discovered the next day.
Once the Ouachita National Forest absorbed Rich Mountain, residents were forced to relocate. But, according to some, one resident never left.
Over the years, various people have seen the ghost of the Wilkerson girl, roaming about the cemetery, while others have reported strange lights in the trees surrounding Pioneer Cemetery.
Well, what do you think? Are you ready to visit this ghost town graveyard? For more information on the cemetery, click here.
So, did you know about this secluded cemetery? Ever visited? If so, did you experience anything strange? Tell us!
This isn’t the only notoriously haunted cemetery in Arkansas. Click here to read about others.
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