Surprise On The River Road - Missouri's Other Arch On The Arkansas Border

 

Although this article is not about a current trip, I have always been fascinated by this attraction that I saw years ago and it might be of interest to you. Rounding the curve, a strange object loomed up ahead on a trip up the Mississippi River road on old highway 61 to Missouri from Louisiana. Get off the Interstate and see things that you might not see otherwise! Here's what the Internet says about what we experienced:

Exploring the Historic United States Highway 61 Arch ​

Nestled just inches from the Arkansas-Missouri state line in Mississippi County, Arkansas, stands a unique and historic structure: the United States Highway 61 Arch. ​ This concrete arch, erected in 1924, is the only known arch that spans a United States Highway in Arkansas, making it a significant landmark in the state's transportation history. ​

A Brief History

The arch was constructed to mark the boundaries of the Mississippi County Road Improvement District upon the completion of the first hard-surfaced highway stretch through the county. ​ Originally, there were two such arches, but the one at the Mississippi-Crittenden County line was demolished in the late 1950s due to highway expansion. ​ The remaining arch, with its inscriptions "ENTERING ARKANSAS" and "ENTERING MISSOURI," has stood the test of time, symbolizing the early days of road construction and improvement in Arkansas. ​

Architectural Significance

Standing approximately fifteen feet high and twenty feet wide, the arch is constructed of concrete with decorative grooves molded into all four sides. ​ It serves not only as a boundary marker but also as a tribute to the era of early 20th-century road development. ​ Despite minor repairs and some age-related cracks, the arch maintains its integrity of design, workmanship, and materials. ​

Cultural Impact

The arch has witnessed a fascinating history, including the bustling activity of "Little Chicago," an area known for its service stations, nightclubs, and small gambling houses due to lower taxes on gasoline and cigarettes in Missouri. ​ This vibrant past adds to the arch's cultural significance, making it a notable landmark for both locals and travelers.

Preservation and Legacy

Today, the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department continues to maintain the arch, ensuring its preservation for future generations. ​ It stands as a monument to the efforts and successes of early road construction in Arkansas, welcoming motorists who choose to travel the historic U.S. Highway 61 instead of the nearby Interstate 55. ​

Conclusion

The United States Highway 61 Arch is more than just a concrete structure; it is a piece of Arkansas's history, representing the state's journey through the automobile craze of the early 20th century and the development of its highway system. ​ Whether you're a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply a curious traveler, this historic arch is a must-see landmark that tells the story of Arkansas's rich transportation heritage. ​

For more information on the arch and its significance, you can visit the Mississippi River Parkway Planning Commission's website or check out the Delta Historical Review's article "An Arch In Time" by Robert Thompson. ​

This link is to a document from the National Register of Historic Places Registration Form for the United States Highway 61 Arch in Mississippi County, Arkansas.

Here's a link to view the arch on Google Maps