The
small Arkansas city of Mount Ida (Montgomery County) serves as a gateway into
the Ouachita Mountains. Surrounded by lush, crystal-rich forests and tranquil
lakes, Mount Ida has a population of just under 1,000 according to the 2020
census. The city was founded in 1842 and officially incorporated in 1890.
The
area’s first post office was established in June 1842 by Granville Whittington.
He named it Mount Ida, inspired by a hill that reminded him of his former home
in Massachusetts. For six years, Granville ran the post office and a general
store from his spacious log cabin, located a mile north of what is now Mount
Ida’s town square.
In
1848, Mount Ida was renamed Montgomery, but just a few months later, in January
1849, it reverted to its original name, Mount Ida. Then, in July 1850, the
county court decided to rename Mount Ida, Salem. However, this change didn’t
last long, as the name returned to Mount Ida that October, and the name was
never changed again.
On
July 4, 1861, Mount Ida took a significant step into the American Civil War
when two local businessmen, John W. Lavender and John H. Simpson, rallied the
community for volunteers. They successfully organized enough men to form a
company of 128, which became known as the Montgomery Hunters. This group was
designated as Company F within the Fourth Arkansas Infantry Regiment of the
Confederate Army. The Montgomery Hunters left Mount Ida on July 17, 1861,
making their way north towards Fort Smith (Sebastian County). By late 1863,
Mount Ida was occupied by Union forces for several days.
The
1880s marked a significant silver mining boom in the eastern part of the
county. As miners and industry workers flocked to the area, the population
surged, bringing profound economic benefits that rippled throughout the county.
By
1920, Mount Ida's business district boasted nine general stores, a drugstore,
two hardware and furniture shops, two blacksmiths, a garage, two sawmills, a
planer mill, a cotton gin, a stave mill, a flour mill, and three hotels. Today,
the major sources of income include cattle, swine, poultry, timber, mining, and
tourism.
Known
as the “Quartz Crystal Capital of the United States,” Mount Ida boasts an
impressive abundance of clear quartz deposits. These stunning crystals were
formed during the Ouachita orogeny, when silica-rich fluids filled ancient rock
fractures, creating marvelous crystal specimens.
History
buffs will appreciate the charm of Mount Ida’s early 20th-century landmarks,
including the Womble District Administration House No. 1, built around 1940 by
the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), and the historic Cities Service filling station
constructed in 1925. Both structures are listed on the National Register of
Historic Places.
For
a taste of local life, Bob’s Food City has been serving the community since
1963, making it a reliable shopping destination. Be sure to stop by The
Dairyette for a classic drive-in experience, famous for its delicious ice cream
and burgers, or indulge in the mouth-watering barbecue at Burl’s Smokehouse
just around the corner.
If
you’re passionate about local art, be sure to visit the Ouachita Artists
Gallery & Studio, where you can appreciate the amazing work of regional
artists. Plus, don’t miss the Crystal Garden and Crystal Seen Trading Company,
which offer intriguing mineral displays and educational exhibits that celebrate
the rich quartz heritage of the area.
So, if you’re looking for a perfect
blend of culture and nature for your next Natural State getaway, don’t forget
to add Mount Ida to your list of must-visit destinations in southwest Arkansas!
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