Village Creek State Park is a quiet escape on the northeast side of Arkansas. Besides just being a lovely weekend getaway on the lake, the park also has quite the historical significance. A well-preserved portion from the Trail of Tears can be found in Village Creek. Let's explore this important piece of history as we hike along the trail.
Village Creek is more than just a quiet and relaxing state park.
This 7,000-acre park is quite the getaway! You'll find more than 30 miles of trails, plenty of campsites and cabins, and even a championship golf course. Attractions aside, today we're focused on the historical significance of the park.
Address: 201 County Road 754, Wynne, AR 72396
One particular trail features a piece of history that dates back more than 100 years.
Along the Old Military Road Trail, you'll be able to walk on a well-preserved portion of the Trail of Tears. It's astonishing to think you're retracing the same steps taken by Creek and Chickasaw Native Americans in the mid-1830s, as well as Cherokee Native Americans in 1838.
The path wasn't always a point of such tragedy.
Before the Native American removal, the trail originally served as a route between Memphis and Little Rock. The road was celebrated as a significant improvement for travelers and was completed in 1829. The trail has been worn down considerably since its competition, its about 6-10 feet lower than when it was taken by Native Americans.
Today, the trail serves as a pleasant passage through the woods.
The Old Military Road Trail is 2.16-miles long and is rated as easy. The family-friendly trail is an excellent way to teach history to young Arkansans while experiencing it firsthand.
Take the time to reflect upon this significance piece of history as you walk along the trail.
If you'd like to learn more about this trail's history as well as other pieces of the Trail of Tears in Arkansas, visit this page. For more info on Village Creek State Park, visit their website right here.
What's your favorite piece of history to observe in Arkansas? Have you heard the mysterious cries at this haunted battlefield? Or learned the deadly history of this particular state park? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
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