The view stretched for miles, taking in much of the Arkansas River Valley as well as exposing the forested slopes of the distant Ozark Mountains. From the overlook at the west end of Petit Jean, one can look east toward the river canyon that bisects much of the mountain and hear the distant thunder of water as it falls over Cedar Falls.
The first state park in the Arkansas system is an incredible place to visit and is full of natural wonders, historic sites, and even romantic stories beyond those in soap operas.
Geological sites include a large natural bridge, hidden grottos, numerous springs, fossils and a large waterfall. Rock House Cave, a large indentation in the sandstone cliff a hundred feet or more above the falls, contains pictographs drawn by Native Americans more than 200 years earlier. It is easy to spot on the sandstone ceiling of the cave. Paddlefish, native headdresses, and even some serious doodles can be spotted.
Heading back up the trail, you discover turtle rocks, enormous sandstone mounds that resemble herds of enormous turtles scrambling up the slopes.
Petit Jean became a state park thanks to the work of Thomas Hardison, a logging company employee who saw the potential of using the area’s natural beauty to attract tourists and preserve nature. He convinced the Fort Smith Lumber Company to donate the land for public use. Failing to have it declared a National Park, in 1923 he convinced the state legislature to reserve the land as the first state park.
Initial development of the park was undertaken by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) during its years of operation in the 1930s. It was during this era that the historic Mather Lodge, named after a director of the Park System, was built. Nationals. The stately and beautiful building and guest facilities still stand and are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Sitting in the restaurant’s large dining room and enjoying a meal while looking out over the surrounding cliffs and valleys is a treat all Arkansans should enjoy.
The CCC built bridges, roads, a dam that created a lake, and several trails used by the public. The trail to Cedar Falls and Seven Hollows are some of the most visited natural sites in the state.
Historically, few people lived on Petit Jean Mountain until the late 19th century, but the surrounding river valley was home to a large number of Native American villages. The Arkansas Archaeological Society has collected a large number of vessels, jewelry and other items from the region. Other pictographs are found in the scattered caves that dot the mountain. For other history lovers, the Automobile Museum and Rockefeller Farm are located at the top of the mountain.
The most intriguing story is how the mountain got its name. According to legend, the story began in the early 18th century, when a young French nobleman named Chavet obtained permission to explore a part of the Louisiana territory. Chavet was engaged to a young French woman named Adrienne Dumont. When she was informed of his plans, she disguised herself as a common sailor and joined the expedition.
Known as Petite Jean to her colleagues, her identity remained a secret throughout the trip. The group eventually went up the Mississippi and reached the Arkansas River. Arriving in the area of present-day Morrilton, they were greeted by a group of friendly natives who invited them to spend the summer away from the river’s malarial swamps by joining them on the top of the nearby mountain.
During the course of his stay, young Dumont became seriously ill. While they were taking care of her, her secret identity was discovered. Unable to survive the illness, she was buried on the mountain’s easternmost peak and the mountain was named Petit Jean in her honor.
Whether for history, natural beauty or simply as a romantic place to get away for a few days, Petit Jean is the great place to visit.
The initial development of Petit Jean State Park was done by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) during the 1930s. It was during this era that the historic Mather Lodge was built, named after a director of the National Park System. (Courtesy photo)
The stately and beautiful Mather Lodge and guest facilities still stand and are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. (Courtesy photo)
The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), during its operation in the 1930s, built bridges, roads, a dam that created a lake, and several trails used by the public. Above is the old CCC building. (Courtesy photo)
In the early 18th century, when a young French nobleman, Chavet, obtained permission to explore part of the Louisiana Territory, he was engaged to a young Frenchwoman, Adrienne Dumont. He disguised himself as an ordinary sailor and joined the expedition, but later died of illness. (Courtesy photo)
Rock House Cave, a large indentation in the sandstone cliff a hundred feet or more above the falls, contains pictographs drawn by Native Americans more than 200 years earlier. (Courtesy photo)
Keynote USA
For the Latest Local News, Follow Keynote USA Local on Twitter.