Arkansas boasts a rich and diverse history, intertwined with intriguing secrets that lurk in its past. Amid the Natural State’s plethora of attractions, there exist abandoned and forgotten places that echo with eerie remnants of days gone by. Among them is East Calico Rock, a ghost town nestled within the city limits of Calico Rock, promising an unsettling yet captivating experience.
The Enigma of East Calico Rock
East Calico Rock stands as the sole authentic ghost town in the United States, entirely enclosed within another town’s borders. Situated on the east bank of the White River, opposite the vibrant downtown of Calico Rock in Izard County, this forsaken enclave was once a bustling segment of the town. With its abandoned businesses, homes, schools, churches, and a jail, East Calico Rock now holds over 20 structures in varying states of decay.
The Descent into Abandonment
In the late 1800s, Calico Rock flourished as a railroad and river port, drawing people from diverse backgrounds. East Calico Rock, where many African American and lower-class white residents resided, thrived with connectivity facilitated by a ferry and a bridge. However, the Great Depression of the 1920s struck a severe blow to the town. Businesses shuttered, and residents faced job losses and homelessness, with East Calico Rock bearing the brunt of poverty and neglect.
The final blow arrived in the 1960s, as a new bridge bypassed East Calico Rock, severing its ties with the town. The old bridge was dismantled, ferry services ceased, and the ghost town was born.
Exploring the Echoes
Despite its haunting past, East Calico Rock remains a captivating destination for intrepid explorers. A self-guided tour unveils the remnants of the school, church, jail, barber shop, grocery store, and homes of former residents. Graffiti and artwork added by visitors over the years lend the ghost town a colorful and quirky allure.
On the west side of the river, the Calico Rock Museum and Visitor Center provide deeper insights into East Calico Rock’s history and culture. Exhibits and artifacts narrate tales of its people, complemented by information about the natural and geological wonders of the area.
Unveiling History’s Lessons
East Calico Rock stands as a unique and thought-provoking testament to the past, offering a lesson for the present. It mirrors the resilience and creativity of the human spirit while underscoring the repercussions of neglect. Visiting this ghost town stirs a mix of unease, curiosity, and a profound appreciation for Arkansas’s rich heritage.