Graysonia (Clark County) emerged as one of many mill towns in southern Arkansas during the twentieth century, fueled by the burgeoning timber industry in the region. At its height, Graysonia boasted one of the largest mills in the South, along with a vibrant community, though today, little of its former presence remains.
In 1902, William Grayson and Nelson McLeod became key shareholders of the Arkadelphia Lumber Company. By 1907, the company relocated to a site near the Antoine River, as their previous location couldn't support the necessary resources for continued operation. The new community was named Graysonia in tribute to the company president, William Grayson.
The mill in Graysonia thrived, largely due to the surging demand for lumber during World War I, with its most prosperous years falling between 1915 and 1920. More than 500 workers contributed to the impressive daily output of 150,000 board feet, far exceeding the 25,000 board feet produced by the mill in nearby Mauldin (Montgomery County) at full capacity.
Graysonia was home to 350 residents at its inception, and its population more than doubled during its peak. Unlike many other company towns in Arkansas, Graysonia was unique because it incorporated and held elections for its government officials. Alongside a large commissary, the town featured amenities like a confectionary, a movie theater, three hotels, a school, and a church. It also boasted a modern water system and electric services.
In 1924, the Bemis family became part of the Ozan-Grayson Lumber Company, which marked a new chapter for the business. The Bemises, who managed other local mills, brought their expertise and resources, leading to five prosperous years of lumber production.
However, Graysonia faced challenges primarily from the lumber industry's "cut and move" approach, which involved harvesting timber and relocating operations to areas with better resources. This strategy was a significant factor contributing to the town's decline, but not the only one.
The arrival of the Great Depression in 1929 had a devastating impact. While the mill at Graysonia managed to survive for a time, by 1931, the weight of the economic downturn and dwindling timber resources became insurmountable. The planer mill continued by utilizing stored lumber for a while, and there were discussions about running several smaller mills for production. Unfortunately, as financial conditions worsened, the mill ultimately shut down.
In 1930, the discovery of cinnabar, the ore used to extract mercury, in southwest Arkansas offered a glimmer of hope. Mill workers were encouraged to remain in Graysonia and join the Arkansas Quicksilver Company. Sadly, the mining of cinnabar soon began to decline, driving residents to leave searching for employment elsewhere, either in different mills or mines. The once-thriving town became increasingly deserted. The directors of Ozan-Grayson informed stockholders that the land had lost its value and was no longer a viable tax investment. Consequently, the Bemis family opted to sell 10,000 acres to the McMillan family, timberland traders from Arkadelphia. The remaining 50,000 acres were utilized to establish a new mill in Glen Campbell’s hometown of Delight (Pike County) in 1937, incorporating equipment salvaged from the Graysonia mill.
In November 1950, the Graysonia post office officially closed and its mail was redirected to nearby Alpine (Clark County). That same year, the U.S. Census recorded Graysonia’s population as zero.
Today, there’s not much left of Graysonia. Those who venture out might come across a few remnants of old foundations, some scattered bricks, and bits of the mill machinery. The thick forest has overtaken much of the landscape, becoming a hidden gem for adventurous souls ready to explore.
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