What's Up - Your guide to what's happening in Fayetteville, AR this week!
Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/1265867
JULY 5-11, 2020 WHAT'S UP! 39 COVER STORY Ozarks, Vol. 1: The Old Ozarks." Probably the most surprising historical fact Blevins recounts about the region is that for a brief time in the 1820s, "it looked like a big chunk of the White River Valley might become an autonomous Indian nation." Leaders of the Shawnees and the Cherokees in southwest Missouri and northern Arkansas pitched the idea to the U.S. government in the person of William Clark — of Lewis and Clark fame — who was the head Indian agent based in St. Louis, he explains. Clark liked the idea and sent the Shawnee leader Quatawapea, called John Lewis by white men, on to Washington, D.C., to talk to newly elected but not yet installed President John Quincy Adams — who was from New England and didn't particularly care either way, Blevins says — and his vice president, John C. Calhoun, a southerner who wouldn't support the plan. As it turned out, Blevins says, the Shawnees living east of the Mississippi wouldn't back the idea either because they were still hanging on to their ancestral lands, not knowing, of course, what would come in the future. Still, he says, it's a little known piece of regional history that was uncovered by Professor George Lankford of Lyon College and is shared in Blevins' book. As for the Civil War in southwest Missouri, the first 18 months were the "Hollywood Civil War," Blevins says, "with big armies marching around and fighting each other." But the second half of the war was "kind of a free-for- all with guerrillas fighting on both sides." "By the end of the war, large chunks of the Ozarks had just been depopulated; it was just too dangerous to be in the region," he says. "It had become a really harsh, difficult place to survive." Knowing all that history just makes visitors Among the historical artifacts at Top of the Rock is a canon that was used at the Battle of Gettysburg. (Courtesy Photo) Jack's Cabin was re-created from the Civil War era by local artisans and Amish craftsmen from original square-hewn logs that Morris found and commissioned to be re-assembled. (Courtesy Photo) A 2.5-mile nature trail includes a visit to a cave. (Courtesy Photo) Top Continued From Page 4 to Top of the Rock appreciate looking across the tranquil scene of Table Rock Lake and the rolling hills of the Missouri Ozarks even more. While there, they can enjoy three distinct dining experiences at the Osage Restaurant, a steak house; Buffalo Bar, serving classic American fare; and Arnie's Barn, honoring golfing legend Arnold Palmer and featuring modern, Mexican-inspired dishes; they can stay overnight in Jack's Cabin, a Civil War cabin created by local artisans and Amish craftsmen from original square-hewn logs that Morris found and commissioned to be re-assembled; and take an electric cart ride to the Lost Canyon Cave along a 2.5 mile nature trail. "In the Missouri Ozark Mountains, we are blessed to host four very distinct seasons throughout the year, offering guests different experiences each time," says Stephenson. "The changing scenery, seasonal food and beverage features, and special events continue to evolve with each season." But thanks to Blevins, visitors can go knowing "the rest of the story."