This small town in Arkansas, founded in July 1879, is known as the "city that water built". Native Americans, as well as early pioneers to our country, discovered that the area had numerous springs (over 66) which seemed to have healing properties. Not only was healing to be found in this beautiful spot set in the Ozark Mountains of northern Arkansas, but also a certain feeling of beauty and peace. It was most fortunate that in 1886 some of the area was protected by an act of congress. On our first day in this town we took the Northern Arkansas scenic train for a brief trip into the Ozark hillside outside of town, and received a very thorough history of the town courtesy of our conductor.
The train we rode was one of the originals which brought tourists from Seligmann, Mo. to Eureka starting 1883. It still has the old wood burning stove in the train car which we rode in. In the late 1800s this was a prime spot to visit away from the big cities. Currently Eureka has 14 properties which are on the National Registry of historic places- many Victorian styled homes can be found here. Also miles of hand stacked limestone walls line the town, and while driving through the narrow winding streets of Eureka I got the feeling that I had been transported to a small town in Europe.
My daughter Melissa, Susan (a family friend) and I took one afternoon (sans the grandchildren) and did a walking tour of the town- visiting the many small parks and springs as well as stepping into the small shops which just happened to pop up in front of us. In the picture below Melissa and Susan are standing in front of Sweet Springs, a springs which derived its name from early townspeople who thought the springs had a pleasant,sweet taste. In the picture you can get an idea of the limestone walls which line the town. Adding to the beauty of the parks and springs were ivy covered walls and a variety of blooming flowers.
On another day John and I wandered around the Crescent Hotel and spa, built in 1886. She is also known as the "Grand old lady of the Ozarks". This hotel was the idea of a group of railroad tycoons who wanted to sell more seats on their trains to bring tourists to this wonderful town of healing waters and green hills. This hotel has so many interesting features that tours are given- which we did not have the time to do, certainly some day I would like to see more of it!
Behind the hotel is a very long staircase which led us down to the church of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Church. It is the only church I know where access to it is through its steeple.
Another interesting town with springs in Arkansas is Hot Springs, which John and I visited on our one week car tour of Arkansas and Oklahoma. Stay tuned to my now infrequent postings- but hey, they are still happening! We may not have our rv, but now that the pandemic has lessened we have plans to take a few trips this year!
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