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Freedom Park. Once the location of a Contraband camp, this park is dedicated to interpreting the African American experience during the war. The five exhibits feature life-sized figures and sculptures, and structures representing a plantation house and a refugee dwelling.
The park includes five major exhibits that explore the African-American experience in Civil War Helena. The exhibits follow the journey of the African-Americans from fugitive slave to freedom; and for some, enlistment in the Union Army and participation in the Battle of Helena on July 4, 1863.
Freedom Park is a newly opened park in Helena that tells about the Contraband camp that was located at the site. This is the first location in Arkansas designated as a National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom site. It's also part of Arkansas Civil War Discovery Trail.
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- Attraction
- 750 Biscoe St, Helena, 72342-3915, Arkansas
- 9:00Am
- 10:30Am
- 12:00Pm
- 1:30Pm
- 4:30Pm
- 5:30Pm
- 7:00Pm
FREEDOM PARK AND ESTEVAN HALL
A stroll through this scenic park is the perfect introduction to Helena’s unique Civil War history. Once the location of a Contraband camp, this park is dedicated to interpreting the African American experience during the war. Freedom Park is the first location in Arkansas designated as a National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom site. Almost directly across the street from Freedom Park, Estevan Hall is possibly the longest standing structure in Philips County. Estevan served as a hosp...
NEW FORT CURTIS AND THE MOORE-HORNOR HOME
New Fort Curtis is a ¾ replica of the original Union Fort Curtis. This earth works fort allows visitors to explore a Civil War fort firsthand, including the huge 24-pounder guns. Just behind the fort stands the Moore-Hornor Home, a house that predates the Civil War. The house served as a hospital following the battle, and features bullet holes in its parlor doors. (The Moore-Hornor Home is open by appointment only).
LUNCH FROM DOWNTOWN BAR & GRILL AT THE HELENA RIVER PARK
If you’re only in town for a day, it’s best to use every minute wisely. Swing by the Downtown Bar & Grill and grab lunch to go. Their sandwiches are arguably the best in town and their portions are plentiful. Take your lunch out the end of the boardwalk at Helena River Park. Sit back and take in the beauty of the Mississippi River from the shade of the surrounding birch trees. The park was the site of the Gunboat Tyler during the war and served as a campground for a number of regiments includ...
DOWNTOWN CHERRY STREET
If the weather is nice, park on one end of the street for a relaxed stroll through the historic downtown. Starting at the southernmost end are the Delta Cultural Center’s two properties, the Depot and the Visitors Center. The Depot’s second floor features an exhibit on the Civil War and the Visitors Center is a great place to pick up souvenirs. Continuing down the street be sure to stop by Handworks and Bella for a unique, downtown boutique shopping experience. Wander into Thad Kelly Courtyar...
HELENA MUSEUM AND GENERAL CLEBURNE BRONZE
Helena Museum has been fondly referred to as “grandma’s attic” due to its impressive and expansive collection. A diorama of the Battle of Helena, Thomas Hindman’s desk and Patrick Cleburne’s prayer book bring Helena’s Civil War story vividly to life. Outside on the lawn stands a life sized bronze statue of General Cleburne with an accompanying outdoor exhibit.
MAGNOLIA CEMETERY AND CONFEDERATE CEMETERY
Magnolia Cemetery is the city’s African American cemetery. It features headstones of Civil War veterans, well-known philanthropist Eliza Miller and William Grey, one of the first black legislators in Arkansas. Right on the other side of the hill is the Confederate Cemetery, located at the top of Maple Hill Cemetery. The location of the two cemeteries side by side is an incredibly unusual occurrence in the South. An exhibit near the Confederate Cemetery discusses the seven high-ranking Confede...
DINNER AT DELTA QUE & BREW OR BURGER SHACK
If you’re heading out of town, drive by Burger Shack for burgers and fries to-go. Make sure to order one of the “Best Cokes in town” flavored with one of their many syrup options. If you’re staying, grab dinner downtown at Delta Que & Brew. Known for their smoked beef brisket, tender ribs and full bar, it’s the perfect spot to unwind after a full day of historic sightseeing.
Freedom Park. Once the location of a Contraband camp, this park is dedicated to interpreting the African American experience during the war.… See More
Freedom Park in Helena, AR is a serene outdoor space that offers visitors a place to relax and enjoy nature. This park provides a peaceful environment for individuals and families to unwind and connect with the beauty of the outdoors.
Nov 17, 2015 · Once the location of a Contraband camp, this park is dedicated to interpreting the African American experience during the war. The five exhibits feature life-sized figures and sculptures, and structures representing a plantation house and a refugee dwelling.
