Near Holly Grove in Monroe County, Arkansas — The American South (West South Central)

The Opening of the American West

— Louisiana Purchase Historic State Park —

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 15, 2015

1. The Opening of the American West Marker

Inscription. This point was established by survey on November 10, 1815 by U.S. Government survey teams led by Prospect Robbins and Joseph Brown. Recognizing the national significance of this Initial Point, the L'Anguille Chapter of the DAR sought placement of a monument at the site. It was placed and dedicated by the Arkansas State Society Daughters of the American Revolution on October 27, 1926.

You are standing at the Initial Point for the survey of most of the Louisiana Purchase Territory. This stone monument marks the spot where the 5th Principal Meridian and the Baseline survey lines intersect.

Only after this point was established and land surveys conducted outward from this point could land grants be issued, settlers, prospectors and ranchers stake a claim, or towns be platted.

Here the settlement of the American West began.

Erected by Arkansas State Parks.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration • Parks & Recreational Areas • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Daughters of the American Revolution, and the National Historic Landmarks series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is November 10, 1815.

Location. 34° 38.745′ N, 91° 3.123′ W. Marker

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is near Holly Grove, Arkansas, in Monroe County. Marker can be reached from State Highway 362, 1.8 miles east of U.S. 49. Marker is located at east end of the swamp boardwalk in Louisiana Purchase Historic State Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Holly Grove AR 72069, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Initial Point of the Louisiana Purchase Survey (a few steps from this marker); Two Lines Mark the Future of the United States (a few steps from this marker); The Survey: 1815 (within shouting distance of this marker); Life in the Swamp (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Purchase: 1801-1803 (about 400 feet away); Louisiana Territory: 1682-1800 (about 400 feet away); The Swamp (about 400 feet away); Louisiana Purchase State Park (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Holly Grove.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Louisiana Purchase Historic State Park

Also see . . . The Louisiana Purchase Survey. Working outward from the Initial Point, teams of surveyors began marking township sections throughout the region. The use of the Public Land Survey System, which divided lands into townships and sections, was the direct reason why many land grants were 640 acres, or a “section” of land. Eventually, the Louisiana Purchase

Marker detail: 1926 DAR Monument Dedication Ceremony image. Click for full size.

Courtesy Eldridge Douglass, Jr.

2. Marker detail: 1926 DAR Monument Dedication Ceremony

Photo from the 1926 DAR ceremony dedicating the monument.
Pictured (left to right) are:Mr Tom Jacks • Mrs. E.D. Wall • Senator J.T. Robertson • Mrs. T.H. Caraway • Mrs. J.T Robertson • Mrs. Paul Benham, Chapter Regent • David Wall • Martha Douglass • Mrs. Russell Dupuy • Mr. E.P. Douglass • Mrs. Sam Harrington • Senator T.H. Caraway • Mrs. Allen Cox, State Regent • Frances Lynch (seated).

survey covered most of present-day Arkansas, Missouri, Iowa, North and South Dakota, and Minnesota. Many of today’s state and country boundaries in this area follow the original survey lines, which is part of the reason why many states in this part of the country are nearly perfect rectangles. (Submitted on August 26, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 15, 2015

3. The Opening of the American West Marker

(overlooking the "Initial Point" monument, from the boardwalk)

"Initial Point" Monument image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 15, 2015

4. "Initial Point" Monument

(view from the boardwalk, near this marker, at the intersection of Monroe, Lee and Phillips counties.)

Credits. This page was last revised on August 26, 2020. It was originally submitted on August 24, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 318 times since then and 49 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on August 25, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 26, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.