Siloam Springs, Arkansas, named one of Smithsonian's 20 Best Small Towns in America

Siloam Springs, Arkansas

Siloam Springs, a charming and historic city on the western border of Arkansas, has been named one of the 20 Best Small Towns in America by Smithsonian Magazine.

Although the area had been settled as early as 1835 and had seen troops of both armies pass through during the months leading up to the Battle of Prairie Grove in 1862, Siloam Springs really came to life in 1880 when an analysis determined that the 28 springs in the vicinity held minerals then thought to hold curative powers for a number of illnesses. It was not long before a steady stream of people began coming to "take the waters."

Siloam Springs

The town of Siloam Springs, named for the healing pool mentioned in the Bible, was surveyed and by the time it could be incorporated in 1881, more than 3,000 people were living there. Thousands of others came to visit, hoping the water from the natural springs would cure them of their ailments.

The resort thrived for only around 12 years until a major flood destroyed much of the downtown area. Siloam Springs rebounded, but as more of a trading center than as a resort. The springs, however survived, an today have been resorted into a series of beautiful spring-fed lakes, water features and natural spring basins that winds its way through the center of town.

Natural Falls State Park

In addition, the stunning Natural Falls State Park, filming location for the popular movie Where the Red Fern Grows, is just across the state line. The park is home to one of the tallest waterfalls in Oklahoma.

Located near the booming Northwest Arkansas corridor of Fayetteville, Springdale, Bentonville and Rogers (home of Wal-Mart's corporate offices), Siloam Springs is experiencing a significant revival. To learn more, please visit www.exploresouthernhistory.com/siloamsprings.

Other Southern communities on the Smithsonian list include Key West and Naples, Florida; Staunton, Virginia and Marfa, Texas.