Hot Springs in Garland County, Arkansas — The American South (West South Central)

Ouachita and Central Avenue

— Hot Springs Central Avenue Historic District —

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 14, 2024

1. Ouachita and Central Avenue Marker

Inscription.
After horse racing returned to the spa in the 1930s, traffic along Central Avenue would often be jammed with automobiles and streetcars. The intersection of Ouachita and Central Avenue was the convergence point of the streetcar lines. All Little Rock traffic traversed the route to reach Park Avenue and Highway 5, the only completely paved highway coming into Hot Springs.

Erected by City of Hot Springs.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars • Roads & Vehicles. A significant historical year for this entry is 1930.

Location. 34° 30.505′ N, 93° 3.273′ W. Marker is in Hot Springs, Arkansas, in Garland County. It is at the intersection of Central Avenue and Ouachita Avenue, on the right when traveling south on Central Avenue. The marker is embedded in the sidewalk, beside a streetlamp post. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Hot Springs National Park AR 71901, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Arkansas’ Ouachita Mountains.

It is also 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: The Malco Theatre (within shouting distance of this marker); “We Bathe the World” (within shouting distance of this marker); Confederate Memorial Park (within shouting distance of this marker); In June 1919 (about

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300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Spencer's Corner (about 400 feet away); The National Humane Alliance Fountain (about 400 feet away); Honus Wagner (about 400 feet away); Hot Springs' History is as Rich as its Natural Resources (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hot Springs.

Also see . . . Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort (Encyclopedia of Arkansas).

Excerpt: Attempts to pass legislation to permit pari-mutuel betting on horse races in 1931 and 1933 both failed, but in 1934, a group of prominent Hot Springs citizens and businessmen, including Mayor Leo P. McLaughlin, formed the Business Men’s Racing Association and announced that races would be held in March of that year. The move was inspired by growing national interest in the sport of thoroughbred racing and the need to draw more visitors to the city. On March 1, 1934, Oaklawn reopened to a crowd of 8,000 spectators without the consent of the legislature. Future legal ambiguity was avoided in 1935 with the passage of a bill to permit horse racing with pari-mutuel wagering. This time, the bill was signed into law
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 14, 2024

2. Ouachita and Central Avenue Marker
Looking south along Central Avenue; Ouachita Avenue continues on an angle to the right/southwest.
by Governor Junius M. Futrell.

(Submitted on January 3, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Credits. This page was last revised on January 3, 2025. It was originally submitted on January 2, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 149 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 3, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.