Located in northeastern Clark County, the town of Caddo Valley is just 4 miles north of Arkadelphia and is about the halfway point between Little Rock and Texarkana. The town is often referred to as “The Gateway to Lake DeGray,” with DeGray Dam and DeGray Lake Resort State Park within 5 miles of the area to the north.
Before the Europeans settled in the area now known as Caddo Valley, Native Americans, particularly the Caddo (for whom the town is named), lived there. This part of the future state of Arkansas was known for its dense forests, abundance of fish and wildlife, fertile soil, springs, clear rivers and streams. Much archaeological work has been done in and around Caddo Valley. In fact, Henderson State University in Arkadelphia hosts one of the largest collections of Caddo artifacts in the world.
The first known white settler, Jacob Barkman, arrived in the Caddo Valley area in 1811 and built a home on the south bank of the Caddo River. Caddo Valley proved to be a perfect location for commercial farming and, with the Ouachita River nearby, goods were easily shipped to market.
Barkman’s house was used as Clark County’s courthouse in the early days of the Arkansas Territory. Eventually, a permanent county seat was established at Greenville, located to the southwest along Military Road. In 1842, Arkadelphia (once known as Blakelytown) became the county seat and has remained so ever since.
Caddo Valley grew over the next century. In 1904, a school was built in the area. In 1968, the Arkansas Children’s Colony, Arkadelphia Unit — now the Arkadelphia Human Development Center — opened in Caddo Valley. After the town was officially incorporated on Sept. 11, 1974, the construction of a city hall soon began, as did the creation of a police department and fire station.
Caddo Valley is a crossroads of sorts — both rivers and highways meet in town. The two rivers that cross in Caddo Valley are the Caddo River and the Ouachita River, and the town is located at the junction of Interstate 30, Highway 67 and Highway 7. As of the 2020 Census, the town’s population was 595.
The small town attracts a great number of visitors to nearby DeGray Lake or those on their way to Texas thanks in part due to the strip of businesses (including numerous hotels, restaurants, craft stores and gas station) that line Highway 7. The 40-mile Caddo River starts in the Ouachita Mountains in southern Montgomery County and flows near the communities of Caddo Gap, Glenwood and Norman before being damned to create the ever-popular and beautiful DeGray Lake.
Above the lake, the Caddo River is considered an excellent family float stream. Local outfitters, quaint cabins and other lodging are available along the river. Below DeGray Dam, the Caddo continues some 5 miles before joining the Ouachita River north of Arkadelphia.
Built and operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, DeGray Lake is known for its beautiful clear water and is home to the DeGray Lake Resort State Park, which is operated by the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage & Tourism. Thousands of visitors use the lake and parks that surround it every year, pumping millions into Caddo Valley’s economy.
Whether you’re someone looking to explore the Natural State’s beautiful outdoors, feast on local cuisine, or shop for unique gifts made by local artisans and crafters, the little town of Caddo Valley is definitely a place to spend some time in Arkansas.
Comments
Post a Comment