We knew him when...then-Governor and former President of the United States Bill Clinton provided the dedication of the new Industrial Park in
Calico Rock in 1986, as well as the then brand new McNeill Trucking facility.  Since that time, the land was traded to the school district for land they
owned on Boswell Road which became the Hale Garner Industrial Park that is in use today.
-Photo by CRIDC-

beauty of the calico colored bluffs overlooking the waters teeming with Rainbow Trout in what was
natural for growing cotton which was traded when the river boats came to town.  Learn more about
our history.

Flooding of the White River posed a problem until the North Fork River was finally controlled with a
Hydro-electric Dam in the 1940s.  Today, river boats, cotton farming, and the late night brawls in
Peppersauce Alley are all a distant memory, but the laid-back lifestyle and the pride of our hometown
has never changed.










Before the bridge was built over the White River, visitors and folks living in the area had to cross
using a ferry.  Men like Virgil Thornley served as ferryman for years, carrying passengers and their
vehicles across in either direction.  Today, the pillars that held the ferry system in place still stand as
a testament to the foregone days before the bridge made crossing the river a cinch.  You can see
these pillars when you visit the Calico Rock area on Main Street by the train tracks.

Inside the Chamber of Commerce/Visitor's Center and Calico Rock Museum Next Door,
visitors can obtain an Historic Walking Tour map, hear local folklore and get their very own Calico
Rock as a souvenir.  The building is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places.  You can also
find out the origin of all the buildings on Historic Main Street.  

Modern-day Family Shoe and Dry Goods soda fountain building was the original home of the
Evan's Pharmacy.  In those days, pharmacists compounded most of their own elixirs and tonics.  
Today, Jacqueline's Antiques, located on Main Street, has an original bottle of one of those
tonics-Evan's Pharmacy Olive Oil.  You can view the bottle, find out more of our history, and get
lots of great antiques and treasures on your next visit to Calico Rock.  Later, the pharmacy was
owned by Reed Mac Perryman.  Mr. Perryman moved the pharmacy to a larger facility at the corner
of Highway 56 and Park Street.  His daughter , Brenda Ward, became the pharmacist and later sold
the business to Sarah Beth Mitchell.  

Gwen's Olde World Antiques, Don Quixote's Gourmet Restaurant, Family Shoe and Dry
Goods, the Chamber of Commerce/IDC offices and Visitor Information Center, Wildwood
Farms, Jacqueline's Antiques & Treasures, Erma's Collectibles, the Calico Clipper, and
Knowle's Furniture all occupy historic buildings on Main Street.  Stop by and see the treasures you
can make your very own!












At one time, Main Street bustled with patrons going between Evan's Pharmacy, First State Bank
of Calico Rock, Chaney's Department Store, and the movie theatre.  Today, visitors scurry
between antique shops, Bassett Real Estate and White River Insurance, and Knowle's True
Value Hardware but our Main Street is alive and in the process of revitalization.


















Today, Calico Rock is home to the Community Medical Center of Izard County, the award
winning White River Current newspaper, an NCA accredited elementary and high school, the
Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Regional Offices, the Arkansas Department of
Corrections North Central Unit, Sentinel Industries, Historic Main Street, and some of the most
beautiful scenery in the world!

This is our home town and we hope that you will take a few minutes to become acquainted with our
community and all we have to offer you.
collection of photographs and thus preserving the history of Calico Rock.

If you are interested in donating or loaning your photographs or memorabilia, contact the Chamber office at
870-297-4129.

Preserving our history will ensure our future!
Calico Rock
Historic
On the banks of the White River
Past Comes Alive
Our
104 Main Street, Calico Rock  AR 72519 | Copyright 2007-2012, Calico Rock/Pineville Chamber of Commerce.  All Rights Reserved.
Contact | Chamber Members
Current Site Designer: Kimberly Williamson