Page 7 - Eureka Springs 2018 Visitor Guide-web_Neat

HERITAGE & HISTORY

Eureka Springs is one of the largest historic districts in Arkansas. The
National Trust for Historic Preservation named it one of 12 Distinctive
Destinations in America.

Legend has it that warring Native American tribes were so enamored
with the natural springs around what is now Eureka Springs that they
would lay down their arms and enjoy the springs in peace. That same
kind of peace can be experienced today in our quaint mountain village.

The city is passionate about preserving this treasure, and with good
reason. The town was founded and named on July 4, 1879. Hundreds
of Victorian homes have remained. Today, tiny cottages and elaborate
mansions line the streets. Some are tucked into the mountains along
with every other architectural style from mid-century classing (including
a Frank Lloyd Wright Usonian home) to contemporary and tree houses.
There are 360 streets that wind around the town which intersect only
once at a right angle. Sixty-eight miles of 100+ year-old hand stacked
limestone walls line the town. There are no traffic lights. Along the
entire downtown of Eureka Springs, there are 14 properties listed on
the National Register of Historic Places and 27 listed in Carroll County.

Eureka Springs has historically been called “The Little Switzerland
of America” and “The Stairstep Town” because of its European look,
mountainous terrain and the winding, up-and-down paths of it streets
and walkways. The Historic Loop has an alpine character with an exten-
sive streetscape dotted with springs, grottos and trails. Eureka Springs
is also known as the “City that Water Built” because of the restorative
and healing properties of its Springs, which were once sacred to Native
American tribes and attracted thousands of health-seekers.

1.800.6EUREKA 5 #OnlyInEureka