Welcome to ๐๐๐ฉ๐ง๐๐๐๐ฃ๐ ๐๐ช๐ง ๐๐ค๐ค๐ฉ๐จ with your host Sammy Raycraft and historian Vincent Anderson. Today, weโll embark on a journey along a historic and weathered path: The Old Military Road.
By 1834, the Arkansas Territory was actively petitioning Congress for $25,000 to construct a road across northern Arkansas, connecting Jackson to Fort Smith. Ultimately, Arkansas was granted $10,000 to build a 250-mile trail.
The man appointed to lead this ambitious project was Lieutenant Richard D. C. Collins, who was tasked with overseeing the construction of this thoroughfare. In hindsight, Lt. Collins strategically routed the road through commercially valuable land, benefiting not only the territory but also a profitable land-speculation enterprise in which he had insider knowledge.
Within four years, the Fort Smith to Jackson Military Road played a key role in the Trail of Tears. In February 1838, the John Benge detachment of Cherokees crossed the White River along this route. Weโll explore the location of Talburtโs Ferry, an essential site during this somber chapter of history.
In the final segment of our show, weโll journey down the White River, just below Buffalo Shoals, to rediscover a section of river called Nellieโs Apron. Over the years, this area has inspired at least two captivating legends. Weโll share the tale of a brokenhearted young lady whose love for a railroad worker ended in tragedy, and the story of a brave young lady who heroically prevented a train disaster. Over the years, both stories have enchanted locals and visitors alike. While not all legends are rooted in fact, they have a unique way of sparking our imagination and touching our hearts.
Thank you for your continued support, emails, and suggestionsโthey are the heartbeat of our local programming! As always, a special thanks to Rappโs Barren Brewing Company for sponsoring ๐๐๐ฉ๐ง๐๐๐๐ฃ๐ ๐๐ช๐ง ๐๐ค๐ค๐ฉ๐จ!
