HMS EAST Stiffler Springs cache Traditional Geocache

This cache is placed by the Harrison Middle School EAST Classroom. We are researching areas of historical interest in Harrison and are using geo-caching to share what we have learned with the public. Congratulations to rjsbg for being the FTF!

Stiffler Springs was the main source of fresh water for the early inhabitants of Harrison. It got it's name from Albert Stiffler, who came to Arkansas with his brother John, from Pennsylvania around 1841. In 1854,Stiffler began buying property in what was then called Crooked Creek. If you were standing here in 1860, you could look to the north and see his log cabin where City Hall is now located. In 1867, Stiffler sold his property to Captain Henry Fick who is considered by most to be the driving force behind the creation of Harrison. In 1868 a log store building was built close to the cabin and managed by Fick and his partner O.S. Nicholson. Nicholson also opened the first hotel in town which was located where the Youth Center now sits. In1869 Fick tore down the log cabin built by Stiffler and built the first frame house in Harrison on the same site. (see the picture of this house in the Gallery)

Boone County was created in 1869 and was carved out of portions of Carroll and Madison counties. There is some dispute as to whether Boone County is named after Daniel Boone or if it got the name because the area was considered to be a boon for the people living there.

Harrison got its name from Marcus Larue Harrison. Harrison was in the area surveying for a railroad and he was hired by Fick to lay out a town square. One account says that Fick offered to name the town Harrison in lieu of payment. Harrison apparently moved on after surveying the square and never actually lived in the town bearing his name.