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Cadron Settlement Park: A Journey Through History and Nature

Explore history and nature at Cadron Settlement Park in Conway, Arkansas. Discover hiking trails, historical exhibits, and scenic river views.

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Cadron Settlement Park in Conway, Arkansas, blends natural beauty with historical significance. The 150-acre park features a reconstructed blockhouse, hiking trails, and exhibits detailing the area's past as an early settlement and a Trail of Tears encampment. Visitors can explore the outdoors while learning about the region's rich heritage.

A brief summary to Cadron Settlement Park

  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the hiking trails and historical sites.
  • Visit the reconstructed blockhouse to learn about the early settlers of the Cadron area.
  • Take time to reflect at the Cherokee Trail of Tears exhibits and memorial.
  • Bring a picnic to enjoy by the Arkansas River.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Cadron Settlement Park is located west of Conway, Arkansas. From downtown Conway, take Highway 64 West. Turn left onto Highway 319 West. The park is approximately one mile on the right. Parking is available in the park's parking lot. There is no fee for parking.

  • Walking

    From downtown Conway, head west on Oak Street towards Salem Road. Continue straight, crossing over US-65. Keep walking until you reach the traffic light at the intersection with Highway 319. Turn left onto Highway 319 West. Follow the sidewalk along the highway for about 2 miles. Cadron Settlement Park will be on your right.

Unlock the Best of Cadron Settlement Park

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Discover more about Cadron Settlement Park

Cadron Settlement Park, located just west of Conway, Arkansas, offers a unique blend of historical exploration and natural recreation. Established in 1979, the park encompasses 150 acres along the Arkansas River, preserving the site of the first permanent European and African American settlement in central Arkansas. The park's history is multifaceted. In the early 19th century, the Cadron Settlement was a bustling community of 30 to 40 families, spurred by land speculation. John McElmurray, an early settler and trader, established a blockhouse in 1818 that functioned as a fort, residence, tavern, and fur trading post. Although Cadron was once a candidate to become the territorial capital, it eventually lost out to Little Rock, and the settlement was largely abandoned by 1831. Cadron Settlement Park also carries the weight of a tragic chapter in American history. In 1834, a group of over 700 Cherokee people were stranded here due to low water levels on the Arkansas River during their forced removal to Indian Territory, known as the Trail of Tears. A devastating cholera outbreak struck the encampment, claiming the lives of many, including children. The Faulkner County Historical Society has identified numerous Native American graves within the park. Today, visitors can explore a reconstructed blockhouse, a replica of the original structure described by naturalist Thomas Nuttall in 1820. The park also features exhibits and interpretive signs that recount the stories of the early settlers and the Cherokee Nation. Hiking trails wind through the park's scenic landscape, offering views of the Arkansas River and opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife observation. Other amenities include a boat launch, picnic areas, and pavilions.

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