November 28, 1925

Arkansas’s first state park, located on Petit Jean Mountain in Conway County, was dedicated. Early development was done by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), which, from 1933 to 1938, constructed roads, buildings, bridges, lakes, and trails that are still in use today. Most of the existing CCC structures, which were built in the rustic architectural style, are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Mather Lodge, a twenty-four-room guest facility, is one of the most significant CCC structures in the state and is the only lodge built by the CCC in an Arkansas state park. The natural beauty of Petit Jean inspired the creation of the state park system.