HOLLY GROVE, ARKANSAS — A historic location that helped shape the American West will receive special recognition Tuesday, October 20, 2026, when the Arkansas250 Commission and Arkansas State Parks unveil a new historical marker at Louisiana Purchase State Park near Holly Grove.
The dedication ceremony is scheduled for 11 AM at the boardwalk entrance to the park, located along Arkansas Highway 362.
The new marker will be the 10th in a series of 11 historical markers recognizing significant people, places and events in Arkansas history as part of the celebration of America’s 250 years of independence.
Arkansas Site Helped Shape the American West
Louisiana Purchase State Park preserves one of the most significant surveying locations in American history.
In 1803, the United States acquired approximately 828,000 square miles of territory from France through the Louisiana Purchase, dramatically expanding the nation’s boundaries.
The Louisiana Purchase agreement was reached on April 30, 1803, and signed on May 2, 1803.
However, the historic land survey associated with the park did not begin until 1815.
On November 10, 1815, surveyors established the initial point where the Fifth Principal Meridian and a baseline intersected.
That point became the foundation for surveying large portions of the Louisiana Purchase territory.
The original survey point remains preserved within Louisiana Purchase State Park.
Historical Monument Surrounded by Arkansas Swampland
Visitors to Louisiana Purchase State Park can follow an elevated boardwalk through a distinctive Arkansas headwater swamp to reach the granite monument marking the original survey point.
The site is recognized as a National Historic Landmark.
The monument serves as a reminder of Arkansas’ important role in the westward expansion of the United States.
The park also protects a natural environment that was once common throughout eastern Arkansas.
10th Historical Marker in Arkansas250 Series
The Arkansas250 Commission is recognizing locations connected to some of the most significant events in the state’s history.
The Louisiana Purchase State Park dedication will mark the 10th installation in a planned series of 11 commemorative markers.
The program celebrates historical locations that helped shape Arkansas and the nation over the past 250 years of American independence.
Arkansas Heritage and Arkansas State Parks are participating in the dedication.
Event Details
WHAT: Arkansas250 Historical Marker Dedication
WHEN: Tuesday, October 20, 2026
TIME: 11 AM
WHERE: Louisiana Purchase State Park, Boardwalk Entrance, Arkansas Highway 362, near Holly Grove, Arkansas
HOSTS: Arkansas250 Commission and Arkansas State Parks
MORE INFORMATION: https://www.arkansasheritage.com/arkansas-250/marker-initiative
About Arkansas Heritage
Arkansas Heritage was established in 1975 and is a division of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism.
The division includes 8 agencies dedicated to preserving Arkansas’ cultural, historical and artistic resources.
The Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism includes Arkansas State Parks, Arkansas Heritage and Arkansas Tourism.
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