Near Holly Grove in Monroe County, Arkansas — The American South (West South Central)

The Swamp

— Louisiana Purchase Historic State Park —

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 15, 2015

1. The Swamp Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

Louisiana Purchase Historic State Park is situated in an unusual habitat — a "headwater" swamp. This swamp differs greatly from the more common "backwater" swamps. Found within the floodplain zones of large streams and rivers, backwater swamps respond to fluctuating water levels with alternate periods of flooding and drying. In contrast, headwater swamps, usually located in the upper reaches of streams or rivers, seldom flood deeply, yet rarely dry up.

Before the days of wholesale drainage and clearing, headwater swamps were common in eastern Arkansas. Though these areas posed hardships for the early settlers, they were relatively easy to drain and clear for cultivation. This trend continues even today and is the primary reason they are fast disappearing.

As you move along the boardwalk, take a moment to look at the unusual plants and listen to the sounds of life in the swamp.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Environment • Parks & Recreational Areas • Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels.

Location. 34°

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38.708′ N, 91° 3.195′ W. Marker is near Holly Grove, Arkansas, in Monroe County. Marker can be reached from State Highway 362, 1.8 miles east of U.S. 49. Marker is located along the swamp boardwalk in Louisiana Purchase Historic State Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Holly Grove AR 72069, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Louisiana Territory: 1682-1800 (within shouting distance of this marker); Louisiana Purchase State Park (within shouting distance of this marker); The Purchase: 1801-1803 (within shouting distance of this marker); Life in the Swamp (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Survey: 1815 (about 400 feet away); Two Lines Mark the Future of the United States (about 400 feet away); The Opening of the American West (about 400 feet away); Initial Point of the Louisiana Purchase Survey (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Holly Grove.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Louisiana Purchase Historic State Park

Also see . . . The Delta as the 1815 Surveyors Experienced: Louisiana Purchase State Park. You are actually now in a headwater swamp. Like a shallow bowl, they were carved from melting glacier waters and were once common across the Mississippi River Delta. The area you see at Louisiana

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 15, 2015

2. The Swamp Marker

(looking from boardwalk into the swamp)

Purchase Historic State Park is one of the few remaining examples of these, as they have nearly all been drained for agriculture. Bald-cypress trees like those described by the surveyors still thrive within the sanctuary of the park. This species is known for being long-lived, and it is very possible some of the ones standing today were growing in 1815. (Submitted on August 24, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Cypress Swamp image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 15, 2015

3. Cypress Swamp

(view of cypress swamp near marker)

Credits. This page was last revised on August 26, 2020. It was originally submitted on August 23, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 264 times since then and 106 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 24, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.