"Mothers of the Confederacy"

Confederate Mothers Memorial Park ** (added 1996 - Object - #96000500)
Also known as PP0344S
Jct. of AR 326 and S. Glenwood Ave., Russellville
Historic Significance: Event
Area of Significance: Social History
Period of Significance: 1900-1924
Owner: Local Gov't
Historic Function: Recreation And Culture
Historic Sub-function: Monument/Marker
Current Function: Recreation And Culture
Current Sub-function: Monument/Marker


Entrance to the Park

Trail to the main Monument at the top of Pine Knob.

This is what you see first, a bullet riddled stone.

The front facing South of course.

The S.C.V. Monument.

The U.D.C. Monument.

I know this has absolutely nothing to do with Motorcycling other than the fact that alot of bikers like to know about the places they visit. I think its more interesting to go off road and park when I can, smell the flowers, eat a burger, whatever. I hope you do to.

At he corner of South Glenwood and Skyline Drive in Russellville is a little known park dedicated in commemoration of the Mothers of the Confederacy. It was established by R.B. and Mary Wilson, a son and daughter. The Monument at the top of "Pine Knob" is dedicated to Confederate mothers and to the happiness of the children of our united country.
There are two other Monuments at the entrance to the park. One was presented by P.F. Ferguson, a member of the Bent T. Embry Camp of the S.C.V."Sons of the Confederate Veterans".
The other from the John R. Homer-Scott Chapter of the U.D.C. (United Daughters of the Confederacy). All three Monuments are dedicated to the Mothers of the Confederacy.
I can't tell you when this park was established but the "period of significance is 1920-1924". It's never been taken care of the way it should be. Its grown up in weeds, the Monument at the top has been used for target practice and graffiti, glass is everywhere and watch for snakes. Pretty much the condition of other Pope County landmarks and in better condition than many. Its a real pity that our historical landmarks are crumbling away, but thats exactly whats happening.

Up Atkins side of Crow Mountain

This is going up Crow Mountain Road from the Atkins, Ar. side. Its around 6 pm so there wasnt much sun on the East side. I got to remember that when I say something like "these idiots should stay on their side of the road", no one can understand me. I also got to remember to bring along my furniture wax for the windshield, its alot clearer after I use it.

Mt. Ida

I like old houses. This one North of Mt. Ida is being restored.

I like old barns. This one is North of Mt. Ida.


Mt. Ida courthouse.

Music stand behind Mt. Ida courthouse.

Once you leave Caddo Gap and keep going North on 27 you'll go thru the small town of Norman but no other community of any size until you get to Mt. Ida at the junction of Hwy 27/270. I did'nt get many pictures here, I could have but as usual I was pressed for time. I can't remember if it was late spring or early Fall but I dont like the cold and I was quite a ways from home. I'll go back and take more pics at a later date.

Mt. Ida has the usual large old square courthouse, the kind I like. It also has a music stage in the back. There are several events in the area each year like the World Championship Crystal Dig (Oct. 11-13, 2007) and the Good Ole Days Celebration (which was held on Memorial Day weekend this 2007).
The roads are uneventful in the area but do have good surfaces.
For more information about Mt. Ida you can go to this website :).

Traveling on to Onyx, Ar. the roads are well surfaced with plenty of straight stretches and a few long sweeping curves, some low hills and alot of flat land. When you get to Onyx the road changes, you start gradually going uphill, the road gets a little more curvy, but still no winding curves.

After Onyx is Rover, if you need a bite to eat theres a Hamburger place in town and its has some good burgers. After leaving Rover you'll get into several miles of the type roads that sport bikes love. You'll be going over Danville Mountain and then down into Danville, its winding, curvy, hilly and alot of fun. Just watch out for the locals who get used to roads that are'nt busy and start cutting curves. Trucks cutting curves and motorcycles are not a good mix. This ride over Danville Mountain is one of my favorite short rides.

When you get into Danville, if you have'nt eaten yet, I got a place for you. When you pass thru the business district, as your leaving town and just before you make a right to stay on 27 look to your left. You gotta look close or you'll miss it, its called Vietianne (which is the name of the Capital of Laos). This place has a mix of Laos, Vietamese, Thai, Chinese and even a hint of Indian cooking. Its really good and for $6.00 not a bad price for good meal.

After leaving Danville, just head on to Darnanelle, the next time you'll hit Hwy 27 North will be at Hector, Ar. If your going on North, I would suggest making a right and following the Arkansas River until you get to Atkins then take Hwy 105 North until it turns into Hwy 27 at Hector.

http://www.mtidachamber.com/

Caddo Gap 3

This a spring of some significance suppose. I couldnt decipher what it meant to the people here. What you see in the pics is what I saw, no real explanation.

At least they have a plaque that says something, unlike the spring on Skyline Drive in Russellville which has no explanation and is being allowed to go into disrepair. It's been there since who knows when...a long time ago. If you don't know what I'm talking about, go up Skyline drive from Hwy 64, its the rock spring on the right a little ways up on the side of the road. Who built it? Who kept it in repair over the years and why?
Was there anything special about it or was it just a watering spring on the road to Norristown. I'll need to check into this, I got my curiosity going now.

Caddo Gap 2

Plaque atached to statue.


There are some nice old houses in Caddo Gap.
What looked like the old jail was for sale when I was there.
The statue has had some birds using it.

Caddo Gap

Caddo Gap is nice, I stayed there for awhile and made some side trips on local roads. It's a slow place, no one seems to be in a hurry. As a matter of fact I was there during the week and I did'nt see many people at all. I guess they mostly work out of town. I stopped and looked around buildings and never saw a cop and no one stopped to ask me what I was doing. I like that.

Highway 27

Glenwood, Arkansas



Amity, Arkansas


Near Amity

Hwy 27 is a mostly a good wide road, easy for spotting deer or other animals on the side waiting to jump out. I'll be posting some pics mostly from 27. Its not a busy highway, you can drive for quite awhile and not see another vehicle. Most towns are very small, others are just small. The road for the most part has a good surface and the scenary goes from great to so so.
Actually I'm starting in Amity which is on Hwy 8 just to the East of Glenwood. I'll take a little side trip on 84 and also visit Alpine. I've been told that Alpine is the birthplace of Billy Bob Thorton. I went there, so I can tell you now, don't bother going unless your just passing through.

I'll end up today in Caddo Gap, a town full of history and photos. I need to start camping out so I can take more pics.

BBBQ Tank Art

Some tanks from past BBBQ's.

I don't know if anyone around here has noticed or not, but it's been raining alot lately. After the dry spell, I guess the earth decided it would give us a wet spell for awhile. If I'm not mistaken it has rained around 12 inches recently.

What this all boils down to is that Cindy and I don't get out much. Well, she does, she stays outside. Honesty, I don't like riding during rain or while its still wet. The danger percentage goes up alot and who wants to be wet anyway. It won't be long though, this rain will be over and BBBQ will be here. I can't wait, it's going to be fun.