Near State Road 25, on the right when traveling east.
In 1897, county officials ordered that the jail be remodeled.
The wood floor was replaced with cement. Hammocks
replaced straw bedding. Sewer lines, water closets and
wash basins were installed.
Bunks
4 hammocks, to be 28 . . . — — Map (db m242657) HM
On Main Street at 2nd Street, on the left when traveling east on Main Street.
Built in 1887, only 12 years after the
invention of the telephone, this building
served as Lawrence County's first
telephone exchange. Located on the
corner of First and Main, this building was
in the river port's center of commerce. . . . — — Map (db m242453) HM
On Main Street, 0.1 miles east of 3rd Strleet, on the left when traveling east.
The cabin before you is a good example of the kind of home built in early Powhatan.
A structure like this cabin, made of hand-hewn cypress logs, could be built
quickly with a few simple tools. Though its exact construction date is not
known, . . . — — Map (db m242579) HM
On Main Street at 3rd Street, on the right when traveling east on Main Street.
In early Powhatan, the kitchen was the center of life.
Just as we do today, the people who lived in Powhatan need a central place to store and prepare food.
While most people prepared their meals in the fireplace, wealthier families . . . — — Map (db m242583) HM
Near Arkansas Route 25 at 3rd Street, on the left when traveling south.
In 1815 Lawrence County was formed from the Territory of Missouri. It became part of the Arkansas Territory in 1819 when Missouri became a state. Thirty-one other counties were formed from Lawrence County, giving it the name, "Mother of Counties." . . . — — Map (db m155965) HM
Near State Highway 25, on the right when traveling east.
You are facing the Powhatan Jail
Designed by John D. Edwards, this is a rare example
of a stone military blockhouse.
Lawrence County, is known as the "Mother of Counties". In 1815,
Lawrence County formed this northern region of . . . — — Map (db m242636) HM
On State Road 25, 0.1 miles 3rd. Street, on the right when traveling east.
For early Powhatan, this river was the source of life and connection to the outside world.
The river originates in Missouri, north of Johnson's Shut-Ins and flows south into the White River at Jacksonport. Powhatan is the northern
most . . . — — Map (db m242391) HM
On State Highway 25 just west of 3rd Street, on the right when traveling east.
The Powhatan jail housed prisoners for 57 years. Due to increasing security problems, the jail closed in the 1920s A new jail at Walnut Ridge replaced this one after World War 1.
From 1850 an 1935 this building was a canning kitchen. From . . . — — Map (db m242656) HM
On Smithville Cemetery Road south of State Route 115, on the right when traveling south.
Skirmish near Smithville
After the March 1862 Battle of Pea Ridge, Union troops moved into northern Arkansas. The 5th Illinois Cavalry under Maj. A.H. Seley occupied Smithville. On June 17, a local woman warned a patrol of the 5th that . . . — — Map (db m170473) HM
On Arkansas Route 115 at Elm Street, on the right when traveling west on State Route 115.
The Civil War in Lawrence County
Smithville was the Lawrence County seat in 1861, and while most residents supported secession, others stayed loyal to the Union. At least 17 Confederate companies were raised in the county. Other troops . . . — — Map (db m170478) HM
Near Arkansas Route 115 west of Elm Street, on the right when traveling west.
In memory of
The Men of the 7th AR Volunteer
Infantry Regiment CSA
organized here at Smithville on
June 16, 1861
The unit when organized
contained 1,250 men making it
one of the largest units
organized.
Their sacrifice, . . . — — Map (db m170760) WM
On Southwest 2nd Street just south of West Main Street (U.S. 412), on the left when traveling north.
A quiet night in 1964 was interrupted by the unusual sound of an airliner approaching Walnut Ridge Airport. Its arrival sparked enough interest that three local teens went to investigate, only to discover John, Paul, Ringo and George walking from . . . — — Map (db m170608) HM
Near SW Front Street south of West Elm Street, on the right when traveling south.
Born along Rock 'n' Roll Highway 67 in
Pocahontas, Billy Lee Riley was known for
fronting one of the hottest rock bands on
the touring circuit. His four years at Sun
Records resulted in a number of singles
that influenced rock musicians for . . . — — Map (db m170391) HM
Near SW Front Street south of West Elm Street, on the right.
Carl Perkins delivered what many consider
the first big hit of rock 'n' roll music.
His "Blue Suede Shoes" in 1956 shot
to number one across a broad range of
music charts and became the first million-
selling single for Sun Records.
Perkins . . . — — Map (db m170395) HM
On North Beacon Road, 0.1 miles north of Custom, on the left when traveling north.
Sons and grandsons of Sgt. Luther S. Clark and Aurora C. Clark of Black Rock, AR who served in the military.
Sons
Major Chester M Clark, Army Air Corps •
Cm-3 Millard M Clark, Navy •
TS/3 Lavelle Clark, Army •
S/Sgt. C Leroy Clark, . . . — — Map (db m174063) WM
On North Beacon Road, 0.1 miles north of Custom, on the left when traveling north.
Honoring the men of the Arkansas National Guard Company A, 2nd Battalion stationed in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas for selfless service. — — Map (db m174006) WM
Near SW Front Street south of West Elm Street, on the right when traveling south.
With an astounding 55 number one hits to
his credit, Conway Twitty was a legendary
performer. Bụt while he is remembered
best as a country superstar, he started
his career and scored his first big hit as a
rockabilly singer. . . . — — Map (db m170389) HM
On Ramp Road north of Douglas Road, on the left when traveling north.
CMSGT Gerald C Freligh Sr. USAF
WWII, Korea, Vietnam
November 13, 1941- July 1 1974
BSM, AFCM, MSM
Maj. Gerald C. Freligh Jr. USA
September 29 1978 - September 29 1995 Special Forces "Green Beret"
USA/Europe/Asia/Latin . . . — — Map (db m174048) WM
On Ramp Road north of Douglas Road, on the left when traveling north.
Master Sergeant Carter Holm, US Army 43rd Combat Engineer 1941-1945 •
LTC. Betty L Holm, US Army - Logistics, Daughter •
1Sgt. James Carter Holm, US Army - Combat Engineer, Grandson •
MSgt. Jacob Holm, US Air Force - Security Forces, . . . — — Map (db m174050) WM
On Ramp Road north of Douglas Road, on the left when traveling north.
2nd LT John W Gillette III 11-15-42 •
CPL Donald H Bucklin 11-15-42 •
Cadet Charles E Thiede, 12-1-42 •
2ND LT Harry B House, 1-4-43 •
2nd LT Frank W Roberts, 1-29-43 •
2nd LT Arthur Krasne, 1-29-43 •
Cadet, William M Cosine Jr., . . . — — Map (db m175050) WM
"Great Balls of Fire” was his signature hit, and the title could just, as easily
have described Jerry Lee Lewis himself. His unbounded energy on the
stage made Jerry Lee a nearly unrivaled performer, unlike anything most crowds had ever . . . — — Map (db m170386) HM
On SW Front Street south of West Elm Street, on the right when traveling south.
Northeast Arkansas native Johnny Cash
brought his own style to Rock 'n' Roll
Highway 67. His music was more country
than rock, but he produced an innovative
sound that enthralled fans for over five
decades.
Most of Johnny's shows along Rock . . . — — Map (db m170304) HM
On Carter Lane, 0.2 miles south of Frazier Lane, on the left when traveling south.
This area is named in honor of Dr. J.T. Midkiff, who served
Southern Baptist College from 1956-1974. He held several
positions including Professor of Social Science, Dean of Men,
and Director of the Baptist Student Union. He was known . . . — — Map (db m224285) HM
Near SW Front Street south of West Elm Street, on the right when traveling south.
Before his trademark dark,
glasses and “Oh, Pretty Woman”.
made him a legend Roy Orbison
was a regular performer along
Rock 'n' Roll Highway 67. As a
recording artist with Sun Records
in the 1950s, Orbison was among
the musicians . . . — — Map (db m170402) HM
Near SW Front Street south of West Elm Street, on the right when traveling south.
Rock' n' Roll Highway 67 is more than
a collection of venues for Albert Austin
"Sonny" Burgess. It is home. The
rockabilly pioneer has always made his
home in Newport, and it was there that
he first made his name as an outstanding
musical . . . — — Map (db m170388) HM
On North Beacon Road (at milepost 0.5), 0.1 miles north of Custom, on the left when traveling north.
Engineer - Top Turret Gunner
B-17 Flying Fortress - WWII
On September 27, 1943 his aircraft the Elusive Elcy was attacked by enemy aircraft near Norden, Germany. A giant explosion severed the left wing. Sgt. Roberts and 9 other crew . . . — — Map (db m174047) HM WM
On SW 2nd Street at West Main Street (U.S. 412) on SW 2nd Street.
Much of what we currently know and enjoy
as Walnut Ridge is built upon the work of an
enterprising, 19th Century businessman by the
name of John Rhea. His life, and even his death,
are the stuff of local legend.
John A. Rhea was born in . . . — — Map (db m170301) HM
On West Main Street (U.S. 412) at Northwest 4th Street (Business U.S. 67), on the left when traveling west on West Main Street.
In memory of our Lawrence Co Sons who made the supreme sacrifice in service for our country.
In memory of our Lawrence Co. Officers who gave their life in service for our community.
Gene Matthews •
John Biggers — — Map (db m170242) WM
On SW Front Street south of West Elm Street, on the right when traveling south.
Wanda Jackson created a sensation
in rockabilly music, and on Rock 'n'
Roll Highway 67. In-a music industry
dominated at the time by male performers,
Wanda stormed onto the scene while still a
teenager.
Porky's Roof Top in Newport was . . . — — Map (db m170965) HM
On SW 2nd Street north of West Elm Street, on the left when traveling north.
From the farm fields of Walnut Ridge to sold-out
halls in Chicago, Washboard Sam became a major
player on the blues scene in the 1930s and '40s.
Born Robert Brown on July 15, 1910, Washboard
Sam was a native son of Walnut Ridge, where
he was . . . — — Map (db m170300) HM
On West Main Street (U.S. 412) at Northwest 4th Street (Business U.S. 67), on the right when traveling west on West Main Street.
We, the residence of Lawrence Co., erect this memorial to express our love and most sincere appreciation for the distinguished service displayed by our troops in protecting and preserving our freedoms During the Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm, . . . — — Map (db m169765) WM
On Southwest 2nd Street, 0.1 miles south of West Main Street (U.S. 412), on the right when traveling south.
Newell Mock had a love for photography and a camera always at the ready. He captured these black and white images on September 20, 1964 as the Beatles returned to Walnut Ridge Airport from their weekend vacation at Pigman's Ranch in Missouri. John . . . — — Map (db m170243) HM
