Prairie Grove in Washington County, Arkansas — The American South (West South Central)
The Spring
Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, May 21, 2023
1. The Spring Marker
The legend of Prairie Grove Spring tells of the spring first being laid claim to by Tom Wagnon, a frontiersman, in 1828. Wagnon soon traded the spring to Rev. Andrew Buchanan, a charismatic preacher, for two redemption sermons. Then Wagnon left the valley, while Rev. Buchanan became one of the founding fathers of Prairie Grove.
It is said that Hernando DeSoto camped at the spring in the fall of 1541, as evidenced by the discovery at the spring of several Spanish coins from that era.
Through the years many famous people visited the spring, together with the citizens who have worked hard to make the community of Prairie Grove what it is today. May the tradition live on
Erected 1988.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1828.
Location. 35° 58.523′ N, 94° 18.915′ W. Marker is in Prairie Grove, Arkansas, in Washington County. It can be reached from the intersection of East Buchanan Street (Business U.S. 62) and South Neal Street. Marker is in Mock Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Prairie Grove AR 72753, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Northwest Arkansas, on the Ozark Plateau, in the Cherokee Heritage Region, and in Osage Territory. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, and in the Ozarks. 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: Dr. James W. and Joy Nelson Webb (within shouting distance of this marker); Cumberland Presbyterian Church
this page online
Also see . . . Prairie Grove Arkansas.
Picturesque Mock Park, in downtown Prairie Grove, includes benches, plenty of shade, the historic spring, playground, gazebo, picnic tables, basketball court, all located conveniently in and around the Anna Holmes Dorman Public Library and Doris Sharp Childrens library.(Submitted on May 30, 2026, by Marc Hayot of Siloam Springs, Arkansas.)
Additional commentary.
1. Location Update of The Spring
The Spring is located in the northwestern end of Mock Park at the intersection of East Buchanan Street and South Neal Street.
— Submitted May 30, 
2026, by Marc Hayot of Siloam Springs, Arkansas.
Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, May 21, 2023
2. The Spring Marker
Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, May 21, 2023
3. The Prairie Grove Spring
Photographed by Marc Hayot, May 30, 2026
4. The Spring Marker
Photographed by Marc Hayot, May 29, 2026
5. The Spring Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on June 3, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 3, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 320 times since then and 31 times this year. Last updated on May 31, 2026, by Marc Hayot of Siloam Springs, Arkansas. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 3, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. 4, 5. submitted on May 30, 2026, by Marc Hayot of Siloam Springs, Arkansas. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
