SARA Spotlights Columbia County History
The Southwest Arkansas Regional Archives has historical
documents spotlighting life in
Columbia County, which was the eighth county created from the
original Hempstead County land in 1852.
During the latter part of the 19th century,
people flocked to an area known as Magnesia
Springs. The springs were said to have healing properties, and
eventually two hotels were built in the area to accommodate visitors who came
for the waters.
Magnesia Springs eventually became part of Logoly State
Park.
The Methodist Episcopal Church South owned property near the
springs, so the church became a place to hold gospels, social meetings and
political gatherings. One image shows an
unidentified preacher sitting on the steps at Magnesia Springs. The image is
part of the Iris Hamby collection at SARA and contains post cards and photos
from several southwest Arkansas counties.
Iris Stemple, later Hamby, was born in New Mexico in 1917.
Her father was a farmer, and the family moved to Polk County, Arkansas, by the
time she was 13 years old. Iris married Amon Q. Hamby in Polk County in June 8,
1935. The couple lived the remainder of their lives in Arkansas.
The collection is interesting because it contains postcards
and photographs from several locations around Arkansas, but primarily of
southwest Arkansas. The original material covers the late 1800s through the
1940s. A few items are from the 1970s.
Columbia County has an interesting past. It was named for the
female personification of the goddess of liberty. Columbia County had some small
settlements prior to its creation. The county seat of Magnolia
was incorporated Jan. 6, 1855.
