Jacksonport in Jackson County, Arkansas — The American South (West South Central)

Welcome to Jacksonport State Park

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, April 22, 2023

1. Welcome to Jacksonport State Park Marker

Inscription. Jacksonport's unique location at the meeting of the Black and White Rivers shaped its history and natural resources. Founded as a river port town in the mid-19th century, it thrived on the steamboat trade. This traffic made the town a center of commerce and a valuable target for both Union and Confederate troops during the American Civil War.

The town's prominence and prosperity led to its nomination as the Jackson County seat in 1853. In 1872 the new two-story brick courthouse was completed, and it became the focal point of the county's justice and government for another 20 years. However, when the railroad line bypassed Jacksonport and passed through nearby Newport, river transportation dwindled, and this town fell into decline.

Today Jacksonport State Park preserves both the rich history and valuable natural resources of this area. Park facilities include the courthouse museum, visitor center, the half-mile Tunstall Riverwalk trail, boat ramp, campground, pavilion, picnic area, and swim beach.

Erected by Arkansas State Parks.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Parks & Recreational Areas

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• Settlements & Settlers • War, US Civil • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1853.

Location. 35° 38.354′ N, 91° 18.665′ W. Marker is in Jacksonport, Arkansas, in Jackson County. It is on Avenue Street west of Adams, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Newport AR 72112, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American South

and specifically in the Upper South.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

the Louisiana Purchase,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Building the City (within shouting distance of this marker); Jacksonport in the Civil War (within shouting distance of this marker); Jackson Guards Monument (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Jacksonport Civil War Cannon (about 300 feet away); Surrender at Jacksonport

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, April 22, 2023

2. Welcome to Jacksonport State Park Marker

(about 400 feet away); The Port of Jacksonport (about 400 feet away); The Courthouse (about 400 feet away); Shelling of Jacksonport (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Jacksonport.

Also see . . . Jacksonport State Park. Park website. (Submitted on April 27, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Credits. This page was last revised on April 27, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 27, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 627 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 27, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.