|
In May of 1899, a group of financiers organized the St. Louis and North Arkansas Railroad. On March 22, 1901 the last spike was driven and Engine No. 3 rolled into Harrison. The station was located about a block west of today's Chamber of Commerce. By 1903 the tracks extended to Leslie and the trains were busy hauling strawberries, apples and timber products. After World War I, the small rail company couldn't meet competitive wages and the workers struck. The railroad changed hands three times in thirteen years and the trains ran sporadically. The line was revived in the 1950's as Arkansas and Ozark Railroad, carrying mostly timber products. It finally ceased operation after flooding in 1960 and Harrison's railroad became a memory.
|
