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Monark Springs

Monark Springs could never be called a town. It was developed as a station on the Missouri and North Arkansas Railroad. In 1913 Truman Elsmore, a local real estate developer, purchased 680 acres from the Scotch Ranch. He then built a general store and a railroad platform beside the rail line. A few acres of the property around the platform became a public park which attracted many visitors as well as travelers riding the Missouri and North Arkansas Railroad. On important holidays such as the Fourth of July, special trains carried celebrants from nearby towns to Monark Springs. A carnival atmosphere prevailed throughout the day and the train took everyone home that night. Monark Springs has served for many years as home for the Church of God's annual national camp meeting. Each summer this encampment at Monark Springs attracts church members from across the United States. The old railroad platform remains at Monark Springs and is completely restored. It is the last of the old platforms that served the M. N. & A. The parkland has been brought back to use, and a new community center has been built. A mural depicting the history of Monark Springs by local artist Billie Gofourth Stewart was commissioned by the supporters of the newly-revived Monark Springs park.