JCOL

Steamboats provided luxurious and easy travel for people, fast and reliable transportation for goods, exports and mail service to towns and farms plus entertainment for citizens of Arkansas. Commerce grew in the state from the early to late 19th century due to steamboats plying the Arkansas Rivers. The rivers in Arkansas became the highways of the 19th century. Experience the thrills and excitement of Arkansas’ steamboat days by attending the “Steamboats-Opening of Arkansas Wilderness Event”, Thursday, May 17 through Saturday, May19 at the park pavilion and picnic area.

Jacksonport State Park is presenting a history event on the steamboat industry. Explore the steamboat history by dressing as a steamboat captain or a female passenger or become part of a steam engine that provides power for a steamboat. View a gallery of steamboats of pictures that plied the White River. Enjoy learning to card cotton and the language of the river. These are just a few of the activities family and friends can experience at this historical event.

School groups plan to attend the event on Thursday, May 17 and Friday, May 18 from 10 am to 1 pm, but visitors are also welcome. The afternoon of Saturday, May 19 from 2 pm to 4 pm is for all visitors. All three days of the event are free of charge. There is limited accessibility for visitors with disabilities.

The event is sponsored by the Jackson County Historical Society and this program was made possible in part by a grant from the Department of Arkansas Heritage funded by your 1/8 cent conservation tax, Amendment 75.

For further information on this special event, contact Park Interpreter Donna Bentley, Jacksonport State Park, 205 Avenue Street, Newport, AR 72112. Phone: (870) 523-2143, E-mail: donna.bentley@arkansas.gov.