Siloam Springs, Arkansas
Much work has been done to
beautify and restore the city's
historic downtown area.
Much work has been done to
beautify and restore the city's
historic downtown area.
Siloam Springs, Arkansas - Historic Sites & Points of Interest
ExploreSouthernHistory.com - Historic Sites of Siloam Springs, Arkansas
ExploreSouthernHistory.com - Historic Sites of Siloam Springs, Arkansas
| Siloam Springs, Arkansas The Northwest Arkansas city was founded as a health resort during the 19th cenutry. |
19th Century Arkansas Resort
The unique city of Siloam Springs, located on
the border of Arkansas and Oklahoma, was
founded as a health resort that once drew
visitors from across the nation. Today it is a
charming small city that has preserved much
of its scenic and historic landscape.
The Siloam Springs area was first settled in
around 1835, although the dozens of natural
springs had been used by Native Americans
for centuries. Simon Sager cleared a farm
one mile west of the modern city. As the
Cherokee Nation was moved to Oklahoma
on the Trail of Tears during the 1830s, a
small trading post developed where Indians
could purchase supplies and necessities or
have their corn ground.
The Civil War had a major impact on the area
as the General James G. Blunt's division of
the Union Army of the Frontier marched and
raided the area. Two important engagements
- the Battle of Old Fort Wayne and the Battle
of Prairie Grove - were found within 20 miles
of the modern city. Union troops also foraged
heavily throughout the area, confiscating
food, livestock and anything else they needed
to supply their movements. Families that
supported secession were burned out and
many were forced to flee to avoid starvation.
The modern city of Siloam Springs came to
life in 1880 after it was determined that the
mineral content of the 28 springs in the
vicinity held what was then thought to be
medicinal properties.
As was the case in nearby Eureka Springs, it
was thought that "taking the waters" of the
springs could help people suffering from a
variety of ailments. A town was surveyed and
in 1881 was incorporated. By that time, there
were 3,000 people living in Siloam Springs
and thousands of others came seeking
cures in the waters of the new resort.
In 1892, however, a major flood destroyed
much of the downtown area. When the town
rebuilt, it was as more of a commercial and
trading center than as a resort. The railroad
arrived in 1897, providing reliable transport
for local farmers who produced apples, beef,
pork, grain and a variety of other crops.
the border of Arkansas and Oklahoma, was
founded as a health resort that once drew
visitors from across the nation. Today it is a
charming small city that has preserved much
of its scenic and historic landscape.
The Siloam Springs area was first settled in
around 1835, although the dozens of natural
springs had been used by Native Americans
for centuries. Simon Sager cleared a farm
one mile west of the modern city. As the
Cherokee Nation was moved to Oklahoma
on the Trail of Tears during the 1830s, a
small trading post developed where Indians
could purchase supplies and necessities or
have their corn ground.
The Civil War had a major impact on the area
as the General James G. Blunt's division of
the Union Army of the Frontier marched and
raided the area. Two important engagements
- the Battle of Old Fort Wayne and the Battle
of Prairie Grove - were found within 20 miles
of the modern city. Union troops also foraged
heavily throughout the area, confiscating
food, livestock and anything else they needed
to supply their movements. Families that
supported secession were burned out and
many were forced to flee to avoid starvation.
The modern city of Siloam Springs came to
life in 1880 after it was determined that the
mineral content of the 28 springs in the
vicinity held what was then thought to be
medicinal properties.
As was the case in nearby Eureka Springs, it
was thought that "taking the waters" of the
springs could help people suffering from a
variety of ailments. A town was surveyed and
in 1881 was incorporated. By that time, there
were 3,000 people living in Siloam Springs
and thousands of others came seeking
cures in the waters of the new resort.
In 1892, however, a major flood destroyed
much of the downtown area. When the town
rebuilt, it was as more of a commercial and
trading center than as a resort. The railroad
arrived in 1897, providing reliable transport
for local farmers who produced apples, beef,
pork, grain and a variety of other crops.
 | |  | |  | |  | |  |
Siloam Springs today is a progressive small
city. The home of John Brown University, it is
located just west of the rapidly growing
Northwest Arkansas corridor, home of
Wal-Mart's corporate offices and many other
significant businesses.
Twin Springs Park in the downtown area
preserves a beautiful area of original springs
as well as a restored early 20th century
garden. Just west of town off U.S. Highway
412 is Natural Falls State Park, home of one
of the largest waterfalls in Oklahoma and the
setting of the popular movie, Where the Red
Fern Grows.
Please click here to visit the city's official
website and follow the links below for more
information on the general area.
city. The home of John Brown University, it is
located just west of the rapidly growing
Northwest Arkansas corridor, home of
Wal-Mart's corporate offices and many other
significant businesses.
Twin Springs Park in the downtown area
preserves a beautiful area of original springs
as well as a restored early 20th century
garden. Just west of town off U.S. Highway
412 is Natural Falls State Park, home of one
of the largest waterfalls in Oklahoma and the
setting of the popular movie, Where the Red
Fern Grows.
Please click here to visit the city's official
website and follow the links below for more
information on the general area.
Historic Springs
Siloam Springs was founded
in 1880 as a health resort that
once drew thousands of
visitors.
Siloam Springs was founded
in 1880 as a health resort that
once drew thousands of
visitors.
Twin Springs Park
A beautiful park in downtown
Siloam Springs surrounds
the historic springs that give
the city its name.
A beautiful park in downtown
Siloam Springs surrounds
the historic springs that give
the city its name.
Natural Falls State Park
Battle of Prairie Grove
Battle of Pea Ridge
Fayetteville Area Historic Sites
Historic Sites in Arkansas
Historic Sites in Oklahoma
Explore other Southern Historic Sites
Battle of Prairie Grove
Battle of Pea Ridge
Fayetteville Area Historic Sites
Historic Sites in Arkansas
Historic Sites in Oklahoma
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Historic Sites in Northwest Arkansas