Fort Lookout, place in Arkansas listed on National Register of Historic Places
Fort Lookout is a large earthwork constructed in 1864 during the American Civil War to defend the town of Camden from attack. Built on elevated terrain, it commands a view of a bend in the Ouachita River, with thick earthen walls and old artillery positions still visible today.
Confederate forces built the earthwork between January and March 1864 to defend Camden from advancing Union armies. Union troops occupied the city briefly in spring 1864 but withdrew in late April due to supply problems and defeats in nearby battles.
The site tells the story of a difficult period when soldiers defended Camden and prepared fortifications for battle. Visitors can imagine the daily work of troops constructing trenches and maintaining defensive positions.
The site is easy to reach by car, located about 1 mile (1.6 km) west of US Route 79 near Gravel Pit Road in Ouachita County. Visitors can explore the earthworks on marked paths, and a nearby visitor center provides information about the fort's history.
Parts of the original earthworks were lost to construction over the decades, including a house built on the site in the 1960s, yet substantial portions remain intact. Volunteers continue to maintain the remaining structures to preserve their authenticity for future visitors.
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