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Near Black Rock in Randolph County, Arkansas — The American South (West South Central)
 

Davidsonville Town Site

1815 - 1830

— Davidsonville Historic State Park —

 
 
Davidsonville Town Site Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Mark Hilton, April 3, 2021
1. Davidsonville Town Site Marker
Inscription.
Beneath the Ground
Remnants of this short-lived, but ambitious, town lie buried beneath the soil surrounding you. Excavations and archival research by the Arkansas Archeological Survey are beginning to reveal the layout of the town, the kinds of businesses that operated here, and the history of the people who hoped to make a future for themselves and their families.

Arkansas's First County Seat
Davidsonville was founded by a group of businessmen hoping to make fortunes in land speculation as the United States expanded into its western territories. Looking to separate from Missouri Territory, the founders established Arkansas's first county seat to more easily conduct legal business and to serve as a magnet to attract planters, merchants and other businesses.

The town was placed on high ground and oriented to face the river, the major route of transportation at that time. Town lots were laid out in a grid pattern, reserving a courthouse square in the center of town and a commons area between the river and the square. The street posts you see throughout the town site mark the platted streets of Davidsonville.

Abandonment
Despite the ambitious plans of the townspeople, Davidsonville failed. Multiple factors, including transportation difficulties, river flooding, and competition

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from other towns led to Davidsonville's abandonment after only 15 years.

Come now and rediscover Davidsonville. Follow the trail through the original heart of this early town. After your walk, learn more about Davidsonville through the exhibits in the Visitor Center.

[Photo captions]
The original plat of Davidsonville.
Ceramic sherds excavated at Davidsonville.

 
Erected by the State of Arkansas.
 
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & ArchaeologySettlements & Settlers.
 
Location. 36° 9.336′ N, 91° 3.373′ W. Marker is near Black Rock, Arkansas, in Randolph County. Marker can be reached from Arkansas Route 166 south of Arkansas Route 361 when traveling south. Located 11 miles south of Pocahontas within the Davidsonville Historic State Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 8047 Hwy 166 S, Pocahontas AR 72455, United States of America. Touch for directions.
 
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Public House (within shouting distance of this marker); County Jail (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Archeology Uncovers the Past (about 300 feet away); Courthouse Square (about 400 feet away); Oldest Town Site in Arkansas (about 400

Beginning of the Davidsonville Town Site Trail. image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Mark Hilton, April 3, 2021
2. Beginning of the Davidsonville Town Site Trail.
feet away); County Seat Town (about 400 feet away); Davidsonville's Courthouse (about 400 feet away); Decline and Abandonment (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Black Rock.
 
Map showing Public Square and park trails. image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Mark Hilton, April 12, 2021
3. Map showing Public Square and park trails.
 
 
Credits. This page was last revised on April 13, 2021. It was originally submitted on April 13, 2021, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 110 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos:   1, 2, 3. submitted on April 13, 2021, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.

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Mar. 28, 2024