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History in the Making

In the early 1830s, settlers were attracted to the area by Sugar
Loaf Mountain and the valley that extended from the base
of the mountain. Th e valley contained a variety of mineral

springs which attracted visitors to test the healing eff ects of
the drinking water. It was these springs that initiated the
growth of the small-town of Sugar Loaf into a health resort
destination. Th e 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 fi ne hotels and boarding houses were in business in Heber Springs to accommodate tourism.

In the early 1900s, the main industries were timber and logging, which necessitated the construction of a railroad.
Unfortunately, the Great Depression suppressed the logging industry and decreased tourism considerably,
resulting in a population of about 1600.

It was not until March 1, 1959, when work on the large federal dam on the Little Red River began that real growth
returned to the area. Upon completion, the dam was dedicated on October 3, 1963, by President John F. Ken-
nedy. Fift y 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 celebrating the positive

impact the lake has on the community.

Th e perfect balance of weather, scenery, unique shopping, and outdoor recreation continues to attract thousands
of visitors and newcomers every year.

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