Davidsonville Town Site
1815 - 1830
— Davidsonville Historic State Park —
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
this page online
Abandonment
Despite the ambitious plans of the townspeople, Davidsonville failed.
Multiple factors, including transportation difficulties, river flooding, and
competition 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 & Archaeology • Settlements & 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
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 94 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 13, 2021, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.
