Seven Springs Park EarthCache
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Spring Park is located in Heber Springs, Cleburne County, Arkansas.
Follow the paved paths to the fountains located in Spring Park in
Heber Springs, Ar. Bring a small cup with you to conduct the test
and correctly answer the questions to qualify for completing cache
requirement. Email answers and photos-do not post them.
At the turn of the century, Sugar Loaf (town's name later changed
to Heber then to Heber Springs)was known as an aspiring health spa
and for it's medicinal springs.
Early settlers were attracted to scenic Sugar Loaf Mountain to the
east and the mineral springs that bubbled out of the ground in the
valley nearby. In 1835, the United States granted to John Magness a
land patent for a forty-acre tract which included that part of the
present town of Heber Springs on which Spring Park, with it's seven
mineral springs is located. Railroad service was opened to
passengers in 1908. Tourists flocked to Sugar Loaf Springs and
filled the 11 rooming houses and hotels that were built to serve
them. Doctors sent patients to drink the mineral water for relief
from nervous disorders and stomach ailments. Some springs still
serve faithful patrons who attest to the medicinal properties of
the water and bring their water jugs to carry the medicinal water
home. While we were there, people were getting water from the
springs and told us they drove 30 miles every week to get their
drinking water.
Cleburne County has a generally rugged terrain with elevations
ranging from 270 feet above sea level in the river bottomland of
the southeast part of the county to 1,400 feet in the northwest
section. The valleys have some alluvial, fertile land; the
mountains have traces of lead, coal, and possibly other minerals.
The Little Red River, Greers Ferry Lake, and countless smaller
streams and springs furnish an abundant water supply.
The preceeding is an analysis of the leading medicinal springs
found Spring Park. This analysis was made by Dr. John C. Branner,
former state geologist. His findings show the total solids in
solution and number of grains per U.S. gallon.
The area's formation are sandy limestones/limy sandstones in the
Bloyd-HaleFormation. Springs in this area of the state typically
flow from rock units that consist of either limestones, dolostones,
or heavily carbonate cemented sandstones.
BLOYD FORMATION/SHALE
Geology: The Bloyd Formation consists of (in ascending order): the
Brentwood Limestone Member, the Woolsey Member, Dye Shale Member,
Kessler Limestone Member, and the Trace Creek Shale Member, which
is considered a part of the Atoka Formation by many recent workers.
The normal sequence usually has 2 to 4 limestone intervals;
however, east of the type region the unit becomes more sandy.
Fossils of most common invertebrate phyla are known mostly from the
limestones and calcareous sandstones of the Bloyd Formation.
HALE FORMATION
Geology: The Hale Formation is made up of two members: a lower Cane
Hill Member and an upper Prairie Grove Mem. Fossils are common but
generally fragmental. The fossil fauna includes: crinoids,
bryozoans, brachiopods, algae, corals, trilobites, mollusks, and
microfossils. The lower contact of the Prairie Grove is considered
unconformable. The Hale Formation (Cane Hill Member) rests with
pronounced unconformity upon older strata. The reported thickness
of the Hale Formation ranges from a few feet to more than 300
feet.
To receive credit for this earthcache please answer the following
questions:
1. What is the noticeable characteristic of the Black Sulphur
Spring?
2. List the names of the springs found at site and how do you
think they taste and did you like it?
a. N 35 29.600 W 092 01.541
b. N 35 29.510 W 092 01.629
c. N 35 29.526 W 092 01.577
Acknowlegments to the following for providing helpful and
technical information:
Mayor,Heber Springs, Ar
Cleburne County Historical Center
Arkansas Geological Survey
Developed by A Platinum EarthCache Master
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