The trip today was totally uneventful. As we headed further east through eastern Oklahoma on US 62, the scenery became much greener with more and more trees. I never thought of Oklahoma as having tall green trees and green landscape; it was truly beautiful. As we entered into the Ozarks, US 62 became a two lane, curvy road with lots of ups and downs as it wound its way along river beds and mountains. It made me wish we had the Miata as it would have been a ball.

We were lucky enough to arrive in town in time for the historic tour. Our guide was a 4th generation Eureka Springs citizen who was very knowledgeable about the city. The Indigenous people believed that the springs had healing qualities. Even though water and wild game were plentiful, because of the steep, hilly terrain, there were no permanent settlers before the mid-late 19h. I’ve only included a few interesting highlights from the tour.

Dr. Alvah Jackson, his wife and son were the first permanent white settlers. In 1859, while there on a hunting trip, Dr Jackson discovered that the spring water healed his son’s chronic eye problem. He bottled and sold the water as “Dr. Jackson’s Eyewater” without revealing the source of the water. During the Civil War, Dr. Jackson treated wounded soldiers with the spring water. He had unusual success. 

When Dr. Jackson’s friend, Judge Saunders, was cured of a crippling disease word spread identifying the source of the water. People flocked to the area for cures. The area became a boom town almost over night with people living in poorly built houses and tents. On July 4, 1879 Eureka Springs was founded and officially declared a city on February 14, 1880. The Eureka Springs Railroad was finished in 1882. In height of is popularity between 1889 and 1890, Eureka Springs population increased to between 10,000 and 12,000 people. It’s current population is about 2,000. 

In its early years, the city was plagued by floods and fires. Later, the land was terraced to minimize the mud covering the streets after a rainfall. Many buildings have entrances on multiple levels. The lower levels are described as the Underground, and there is an Underground Tour which we didn’t take. After some major fires that destroyed most of the buildings (more than once), most of them were rebuilt with brick and limestone. 

Crescent Hotel, built in 1886

After a short visit to the visitor center, we found lodging for two nights and after getting settled in, we went out for a great “ribs” dinner at a placed called “Sauced” on US 62. After dinner, we returned “home” for a well deserved rest.

Tomorrow, we will explore Eureka Springs.

Best to all,
Wayne & Peggy