11/18/2021

November 16-18, 2021–Toad Suck Park and Cadron Settlement

Tuesday and Wednesday were our hang out at the Park, get laundry and shopping done, and relax.  The weather was sunny/cloudy, warm and beautiful.

The kitties enjoying the view:

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And here was our view of the Park, Arkansas River, and the Lock and Dam:

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We talked with the camp hosts who told us that in 2019 this park was under 32 feet of water.  Oh My!  So I google it and WOW! – all those folks who lost homes here.  Sad.  As for the park, they have done an incredible job of getting it back together.

The full moon behind clouds on Wednesday night.

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On Thursday, we decided to play tourist and visited Cadron Settlement Park by the Arkansas River.

Where the Park is now, there was an early Arkansas settlement near the confluence of Cadron Creek and the Arkansas River. It was also among the first permanent European settlements in central Arkansas. Eventually trading routes, trails, and ferries connected Cadron to Arkansas Post, St. Louis and Hot Springs. It was even being considered for the capital of Arkansas Territory, and it was a stop on the Butterfield Trail along the Butterfield Overland Mail Route.  Sadly the Trail of Tears went thru here.  It is now on the National Register of Historic Places.

This is a replica of the Blockhouse that was built on this site in the late 1700’s.  It was originally constructed for defense purposes but over the course of its life, it was used as a trading post, a residence, a public gathering place and a place of refuge from attacks.

It is beautiful:

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The ovensOpen-mouthed smile:

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During the civil war:

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We walked down to the docks by the Arkansas River:

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Looking up at the fort:

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One last look as we walked the grounds:

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A stop at one of the lookouts:

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It is a very pretty park.  There are lots of trails, picnic areas, and boating areas.

Tomorrow we head west so stay tuned and enjoy today.

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