Few People Realize How Much Petroleum History Is Preserved In The Small Town Of Smackover, Arkansas
By Melanie Johnson|Published March 16, 2023
×
Melanie Johnson
Author
I am a nature lover and self-proclaimed foodie wrapped in one package. In my previous life, I was an Accountant, but numbers were boring and writing is the only thing that fuels my soul. So, I write because it's my freedom...it brings me joy. When I'm not writing dope articles for OnlyInYourState, I am writing and editing articles for my online blog on Medium.com. Or, when I get the chance, I am off on a trip with my family chasing waterfalls, or simply exploring the great outdoors. My mantra is to always find the best part of every day and bask in it.
With a name like Smackover, chances are, you’ve heard of this tiny town located about 100 miles south of Little Rock. However, with only 1,600 residents, this historical small town in Arkansas might not be on your radar. But you’d be thrilled to know that Smackover has played a significant role in the petroleum history of the country. In fact, it became famous as the location of one of America’s largest oil reservoirs. Today, Smackover has preserved its legacy as an oil boomtown, and its rich history is one that you must explore for yourself.
Incorporated in 1922, Smackover is an oil boom town that has kept on thriving. This historical small town in Arkansas was first settled by the French in the early 18th century.
Folks traveled from near and far to get a piece of the oil pie and the town eventually grew to up to 25,000 residents.
Advertisement
Additionally, the discovery led to millions of dollars of investment into Arkansas’ oil industry. As you drive through Smackover, you’ll notice lots of relics that are reminders of an era from long ago.
The entire downtown is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. And the historic district is lined with commercial-style buildings that reflect a once-booming petroleum industry.
But if you would like to get a true sense of the history of this town, head to the Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources.
This museum and state park is overflowing with artifacts and equipment from the oil booming past. In fact, you’ll see a working replica of a 112-oil derrick along with an oil pump.
If that weren’t enough, there’s also a time travel elevator that takes you back 2 million years ago, plus a cool theater, where you can watch a film about the oil industry.
Moreover, the town has also hosted yearly festivals to celebrate and preserve its rich petroleum history that never died.
Have you ever been to this historical small town in Arkansas? If so, share your experience in the comments below. To learn more about the history of this old boomtown, visit the website. Also, be sure to visit the Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources website as well.
Are you searching for another small town to explore? Here’s a tiny town in Arkansas with lots of historical sites.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
