By Dr. Curtis Varnell
Old maps of Arkansas indicate many communities which are no more. No longer does Golden City, Zinc, Monte Ne, Forrester, or Napoleon exist. Once vibrant towns, all that stands today is stones from the foundations or, in some cases a few rural homes forming a small community. One of the more unusual disappearing cities is Lewisburg, once the county seat of Conway County. Its story and disappearance reflect what occurred in many of these small towns – being located at the wrong place at the wrong time in history.
Lewisburg established by settler Stephen Lewis in 1925, was a one of the most important towns along the Arkansas River from Little Rock to Fort Smith. Originally formed as a trading post with local natives, it became an important steamboat stop and refueling station. Located just a few miles south of present-day Morrilton, it had a reputation of being one of the central commerce sites for the region. Cotton and farm products were shipped to market from the steamboat landing and a ferry provided transportation back and forth across the river.
With a sizable population and a growing community, in 1831 it became the county seat. Lewisburg was incorporated in 1844. By mid-century, the town contained a cotton gin, two sawmills, two gristmills, a flour mill and many more businesses. Visitors could find entertainment in the local hotels, saloons, and even an opera house. It became an important stop along the trail of tears and later the Butterfield stage and other stage lines passed through its streets.
Its location as a significant river port lead to its occupation by Union forces during the civil war. Occupied in September of 1863, it remained occupied until August of 1865. During that time, it was used as a Union refugee camp. Families poured into the town from the surrounding area, leading to poor sanitation, food shortages and the dreaded small pox. Untold numbers of the refugees perished from the severe conditions.
Like much of the River Valley, Conway County was divided over the issues surrounding the Civil war and bitterness and hatred existed between neighbors.
Colonel Abraham Ryan commanded the Third Arkansas Cavalry and was assisted by a group of Union supporters called the William’s Raiders. Opposing them was an assortment of soldiers lead by another local, Colonel Allen Witt and the Quitman Rifles. The greatest conflict between the two groups occurred on Feb. 12, 1865, on the Lewisburg to Dover Road. The Union troops prevailed but about thirty members of the guerilla force escaped to Center ridge in north Conway County. The group traveled to the residence of Captain Williams, called him out, and shot him as he stood in the doorway. The episode set off a series of retaliatory events, some of which transcended the ending of the war. The Williams group eventually killed more than half-of the Witt family and their associates. The breakdown of law and order resulted in thievery, killings, and theft that continued throughout reconstruction. Governor Powell Clayton eventually declared martial law in the county and tried to restore civility.
The railroad had surveyed Conway county prior to the war and it was assumed that the rail would be laid through the county seat. In 1875, the Little Rock and Fort Smith railroad began laying track. They railroad asked the city to donate two-thousand dollars to lay the rail through the town. Feeling the railroad was bluffing, town leaders refused to pay. Two businessmen from the county, Edward Morrill and James Moose offered to donate the land to build the railroad if they would route the train about a mile and a half further north. Lewisburg was bypassed and people began moving businesses closer to the new rail station. By 1879, the new community contained over 800 residents and deemed it time to incorporated. The first station agent, Captain J.W. Boot is said to have flipped a coin to determine whether to name the town after Morrill or Moose. Fortunately, Morrill became the winner of the toss and the town became Morrilton. Mooseton just doesn’t sound like a name to attract new residents or businesses!
Eventually a bridge was built across the river, the ferry closed, and the residents scattered throughout the county. Today, the only item to remind of the past town is an historical plaque. The town, once a county seat, is no more.
