Page 14 - HS Life 2019 flipbook_Neat

14 History in the Making

In the early 1830s, the earliest settlers were attracted to the area by Sugar
Loaf Mountain and the valley that extended from the base of the
mountain. The valley contained a variety of mineral springs which soon
attracted visitors to test the healing effects of the drinking water
initiating the growth of the small-town of Sugar Loaf into a health resort
destination. The name was changed in 1882 to Heber to honor Dr. Heber
Jones, an advocate of the healing powers of the seven springs and in 1910
“Springs” was added to advocate the healing springs. During the glory
days, a dozen or more fine hotels and boarding houses were in business in
Heber Springs to accommodate the tourism to the area.

Timber cutting and logging were the main industries during the early
1900’s which required the building of a railroad to Heber Springs. The
Great Depression suppressed the logging industry and decreased tourism
considerably, resulting in a population of about sixteen hundred.

Real growth was set in motion March 1, 1959, when work on the large
federal dam on the Little Red River began expanding the over-all
economy. After completion, the dam was dedicated on October 3, 1963,
by President John F. Kennedy. Fifty years later, on October 3, 2013, former
President Bill Clinton addressed thousands of Arkansans from the same
podium used by President Kennedy to commemorate the dedication of
the dam and to celebrate the impact the lake has had on the community.

The perfect balance of weather, scenery, unique shopping, and outdoor
recreation continues to attract thousands of visitors and newcomers every
year.
Heber Springs harbors many treasures for the locals to enjoy
and the visitors to discover!!
Greers Ferry Dam

Photo courtesy of Heber Springs Area Chamber of Commerce