The Natural Bridge of Arkansas is a naturally occurring rock formation millions of years in the making and nestled in the foothills of the ozarks. The rock formation is approximately 120 feet long and 4 feet thick at the center of the arch formation. The sandstone formation is masterfully carved by erosion from Little Johnnies Creek which winds through the property. The Natural Bridge was used by pioneers as a way to transport timber utilizing horse drawn carriages to the nearby sawmills.
Native American locals used the bridge long before European settlers came to the area in the early 19th century. There are “indications that a handful of Jayhawks, those robbers who roamed the region during the Civil War, used the rock shelters as sleeping places and the bridge as a shelter for their horses — which they had to keep saddled at all times because residents of the area were constantly trying to capture these dreaded ruffians.”
Later in the 19th century, American Outlaw Belle Starrł (a well known associate of the Jesse James and Cole Younger Gang) was thought to have used the property and site as a ʼhideoutʼ and there is even a newspaper article from the city of Clinton warning the local residents to watch out for the outlaw.
The property boasts two 1800’s cabins which were originally homesteads in the Clinton, AR area. One cabin serves as the entrance and souvenir shop while the other is now used as a museum for early era farm and homestead items rich in history. The museum has an expansive collection of early era goods such as a century-plus old spinning wheel, washing machines, farrier and logging tools, pre-cast-iron cowboy skillet collection, and much much more…
Below the museum are two authentic “moonshine” stills that came from Searcy, AR and Van Burn County, AR.
The Natural Bridge of Arkansas is a great step back into nature and history. Swing on by and take a look back in time with us!