Mammoth Spring State Park to Dedicate Cannon Plaza
MAMMOTH SPRING, AR, August 11, 2008. Mammoth Spring State Park may be best known for the largest natural spring in the state, but each August, it's known for old soldiers. Each August, the park serves as host for a long-running event that draws visitors from near and far - the annual Old Soldiers' Reunion. This year's event, scheduled for Aug. 11-16, will feature a special dedication of Cannon Plaza, the new home of the Civil War cannon used during the annual event.
The Old Soldiers' Reunion was established in the 1890s as an opportunity to "mend fences" between veterans from both sides of the Civil War. The veterans would camp near the spring and spend time trying to overcome their hostilities. The event grew over the years and soon families of veterans joined in the festivities. The gathering eventually became known as the Reunion of the Blue and Gray (later to be renamed the Old Soldiers' Reunion). Eventually, participants in the annual reunion petitioned the Department of War for a cannon to be placed at the site of the yearly assembly to be used during events. Their request was granted.
In 1893, a train brought the cannon to Mammoth Spring. Weighing in at over 3,500 pounds, it took eight men to load the 1861 cannon onto a specially made carriage for its journey to its new home. The cannon became a part of the event's tradition - it was fired each day, at sunup and sundown, during the reunion activities.
At some point, a portion of the cannon's barrel was broken and it was no longer useable. The cannon carriage began to deteriorate and the cannon was moved and placed in concrete near the park's pavilion. Many forgot about the historical significance of the cannon and the part it played in the Old Soldiers' Reunion.
Over the past few months, steps were taken to restore the historic ordnance, including the removal of decades of rust from the cannon's tube. A new steel and aluminum carriage was built for it, as well as a pad featuring Arkansas rock, native flagstone and cut limestone. The cannon has a new home near the Arkansas Welcome Center located within the park. Interpretive panels placed around the gun explain its history.
Although none of the "old soldiers" from the original reunion remain, members of their families continue to attend the annual event.
The dedication of Cannon Plaza will be held on Aug. 16 beginning at 1 p.m. The dedication is being held in conjunction with the 115th annual Old Soldiers' Reunion. Scheduled activities include the presentation of the color guard, a cannon firing demonstration and a gun salute. Immediately following the dedication activities, a Civil War skirmish will be staged in the park.
Mammoth Spring State Park is located on U.S. 63 in Mammoth Spring. For more information on the Cannon Plaza dedication ceremony or the 115th annual Old Soldiers' Reunion, contact Mammoth Spring State Park at 870-625-7364 or log on to www.ArkansasStateParks.com/mammothspring/.
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