A closer look at Siloam Springs

Siloam Springs Panthers will be traveling here to El Dorado Wildcat Country for this week’s Friday Night Football. This week we look at the history of the visitor’s hometown.

Siloam Springs, Benton County

According to the city’s website, SiloamSprings.com, the city’s history dates dates to 1835 when Simon Sager settled on a farm 1 mile west of what is now the city of Siloam Springs. The creek flowing through the middle of downtown is named in his honor, “Sager Creek.” His original dwelling has been restored and is now located on the campus of John Brown University. The following information can be found the above website.

The first settlement was called Hico, and in 1884 Caldeen D. Gunter settled there. At about this time, the Hico Post Office was established. This was later moved to Siloam City (Siloam Springs). Hico was a prominent trading post with the Cherokee nation and consisted of two stores and a mill, according the city’s website.

In 1879, it was discovered that the waters of the 28 springs contained “medicinal qualities” and the establishment of a summer resort began. The first anniversary of the town was celebrated on June 24. In March 1880, J.V. Hargrove laid out the original plat of Siloam City. The name was later changed to Siloam Springs.

Due to the reputation gained as a summer resort and the prospect of the railroad through town, the town was incorporated during its first year of existence on Dec. 22, 1881, with a population of over 3,000. After this initial “boom” many of the transient residents returned to their homes and the population dwindled to about half. This was the only time in the history of the town that the population dwindled so rapidly.

Flood:

In 1892 the town experienced a great flood, which took two lives and destroyed much of the downtown area. Rebuilding began immediately and since that time the town has sustained a steady growth pattern. Economy & trade center:

The coming of the railroad in 1897 stepped up the economy of western Benton County. Orchards, poultry products, hides, wool, beef and all agricultural products found a ready market with the city of Siloam Springs serving as the shipping point and trade center. This trade center remains today, and is a great advantage to industry. John Brown University:

In 1919, John E. Brown, Sr. founded the Southwestern Collegiate Institute in the city of Siloam Springs. In 1920, the name was changed to John E. Brown College, and in 1934 the name was again changed to John Brown University. Today the school has an enrollment of over 1,500 students and is fully accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools and by the Arkansas State Department of Education as a four-year college.

Elevation, climate & 2010 population:

At an altitude of 1,183 feet above sea level, the climate consists of an average temperature of 58.4 degrees and an average rainfall of 41.75 inches. Snow is usually at a premium and makes few appearances during the season, and spring brings an abundance of beautiful Dogwoods. The census count of 2010 put the population count at 15,039, and the July 2015 census estimate is 16,081. According to Arkansas.com, Siloam Springs:

• Has a population of about 16,000 and is located in the Northwest region. It is in the far northwest corner of the state on the border with Oklahoma and about 30 miles from Fayetteville.

• Is known for its spirit of community volunteerism and natural beauty. The pristine, physical setting of the downtown is a feature element. Scenic Sager Creek with its rock wall lined banks flows through the downtown. Parks along the creek are shaded by stately trees and decorated with dogwoods. Fountains, foot bridges, green space, gazebos and even duck crossings compel visitors to relax and enjoy their surroundings. Siloam Springs was named by Smithsonian.com as one of the 20 Best Small Towns in America (May 2012).

•Some of the city’s most popular festivities take place here, including the annual spring Dogwood Festival and Light Up Siloam Springs program during the holidays. A year-round Farmer’s Market is another popular offering. Siloam Springs has many spacious parks – some with trails, picnic, pavilion and playground areas while others, like the skate and aquatic parks, are specific to activities.