Ozark Living

aer the Indian Removal Act of 1830 there was an uproar along the western Arkansas border. e U.S. District Court in Little Rock had jurisdiction over all of Arkansas and Indian Territory. With a discontent felt by Arkansans and Native Americans, both petitioned for a court closer to the border. Aer many failed attempts, a bill was finally signed into law on March 3, 1851, and the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Arkansas was set in Van Buren. In 1871, the court moved to Fort Smith, just four years before the arrival of Judge Parker. For 20 years, the quaint town of Chester was the southern-most point on the railroad, as Van Buren had stayed a steamboat town; however, it only made sense to extend the railroad south to the river town of Van Buren, uniting the trade routes. In 1882, the Frisco Railroad was completed in Van Buren, but it wasn't until 1891 that the first train crossed the "Iron Mountain Bridge," headed to Fort Smith. Back to the future Much like our progression from steamboats to railroads, we eventually transitioned to interstate travel on highways for business and leisure. Interstate 40 runs coast-to-coast, east to west, across the United States, through the middle of Arkansas, passing through Crawford County with an exit at Van Buren. According to the Western Arkansas Intermodal Authority, a modern river port between Van Buren and Fort Smith is in the works. at, combined with the groundbreaking of Interstate 49 on Oct. 14 in Barling, has brought the region full circle. With the interstates, railroads and river port all coming together, Crawford County will soon see exponential growth. As we progress into this next phase, I can only hope that we stay true to our old- fashioned heritage. "Somewhere, Over the River" is your all-inclusive guide through the forgotten foothills of the Ozarks. Visit our website at somewhereovertheriver.com, where you can subscribe to our e-newsletter, or find us on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or pick up a print copy at a location near you. e following is an excerpt from the book "Images of America: Van Buren" by Tom Wing: "Van Buren is beloved for the places in the community where residents can come together. Whether it be on the streets of the city's scenic downtown, at the county courthouse, in a house or worship, or at a final resting place, citizens have a deep sense of pride and responsibility for the places where they commune. Van Buren's Main Street has always been the heart of the community, and even today, with the city developing to the north of Interstate 40, the historic charm of downtown and historic buildings on Main Street continue to draw both visitors and locals. Countless parades, festivals, and holiday events have centered on Main Street, as well as a number of defining historical moments. With all the history occurring there, it is perhaps the understated scenes of everyday life that endear the old street to those who spend time there; Once the center of commerce for the city, banks and specialty shops have replaced dealerships, jewelry stores, and other merchants, but a good haircut, a trip to the post office, or a quick bite to eat have always been possible." Tom Wing is an assistant professor of history at the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith and director of the Drennen-Scott Historic Site. Watch for his column in the next print edition of "Somewhere, Over the River." Arkansas Gazette, Nov. 24, 1835 Arkansas Gazette, March 14, 1838 OZarK LIVInG • January 2023 • 25

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