Marked Tree Lock and Siphons

Marked Tree Lock and Siphons is a flood control facility in Poinsett County consisting of a concrete lock and three large steel tubes. The system uses a vacuum pump mechanism that draws water over an earthen levee and returns it directly to the river channel.

The facility was built in 1939 by the Memphis District Corps of Engineers to serve Drainage District Number Seven and protect the region from flooding. This project represented an important step in how communities managed water and defended themselves against seasonal river overflow.

The facility takes its name from the Marked Tree, a historic landmark that guided early settlers in the region. Today the place serves as a reminder of how engineering solutions shaped daily life for people living along the river.

The facility sits along the St. Francis River on a levee and is accessible for visitors to view the engineering structures from different vantage points. Visiting in dry seasons makes it easier to observe how the system works and understand the overall layout.

The vacuum pump system operates without constant energy input by using natural pressure differences to move water over the levee. This clever approach was remarkably efficient for its time and requires only occasional maintenance to keep working properly.