Exploring shiloh : a flood of memories under the water at this mesmerising historical site

Exploring shiloh : a flood of memories under the water at this mesmerising historical site

Greers Ferry Lake, a beautiful gem nestled in Arkansas, has always been a source of fond memories. From camping adventures to building sandcastles, I vividly recall the days spent splashing in its inviting waters and gazing at the grand fireworks show we shared with family every July 4th. However, behind the lake’s serene surface, lies a tapestry of lost towns and submerged memories. Among these is Shiloh, a town that vanished when the Little Red River was flooded. This article delves deep into the memories of Shiloh, as recounted by Aunt Anne, whose roots run deep in this now-submerged community.

Diving into shiloh’s hidden past

As the waters of Greers Ferry Lake shimmer under the sun, they conceal the intriguing history of Shiloh. This small town, once filled with life and activity, found itself underwater following the construction of Greers Ferry Dam. My Aunt Anne, who spent her formative years in Shiloh, often reminisced about the close-knit community and its unique characteristics.

Anne was born to parents who were integral members of their community. Her mother, affectionately known as Mrs. Taylor, lived to be 103 and was a dedicated one-room schoolteacher. Her father, called Daddy Tom by everyone, was a devoted farmer. The family resided in a modest two-bedroom white house, complete with a pump house, chicken house, smokehouse, and an outhouse.

The peculiar feature of Shiloh, as Aunt Anne fondly recounted, were its “naturally paved streets.” Frequent flooding from a nearby branch would wash away the shallow dirt, revealing the rock below. While the frequent inundations posed challenges, they also became an integral part of the town’s charm. Anne recalled spending hours playing by the river branch, catching crawdads, minnows, and tadpoles in the soft sand and moss-covered rocks.

Life and traditions in shiloh

Life in Shiloh was simple yet filled with joy and traditions. The town, although small, had a church, a school, and a store. Residents were scattered around the blocks and through the woods, forging a strong sense of community. The camaraderie was evident in the various activities and games that children indulged in.

  • Pottery sessions by the red clay bank
  • Marble making and baking them on the stove
  • Sliding down Slate Hill

Anne and her friends spent countless hours engaging in these activities, creating lasting memories. Slate Hill, with its gully markings resembling waves, was a favorite spot despite the frequent ruining of clothes. The flash floods, though disruptive, added to the town’s character. People trapped on the banks waiting for the water to recede provided a real slice of life in Shiloh.

The creation of Greers Ferry Lake aimed to control such flooding. The Flood Control Act of the late 1930s saw the construction of dams across the country, including on the Little Red River, which flowed near Shiloh and other communities that eventually submerged. Anne was 15 when the filling of the lake began in 1958.

Transition and the creation of greers ferry lake

The transformation from a thriving town to an underwater community left deep imprints. As the lake filled, families, including Anne’s, had to relocate. Compensation was provided for the land, and houses were often sold and moved. My aunt’s family ended up in Kensett, eventually purchasing farmland outside Heber Springs.

Anne’s memories of Shiloh persisted. She often revisited the transformed landscapes where Taylor Hill, her grandmother’s home, became an island in the middle of the lake. Old roads turned into boat launches, and traces of the past like the storm cellar could still be spotted.

Divers reported sightings of houses and vehicles that remained submerged like an underwater ghost town. A friend of the family once mentioned using sonar equipment to detect the concrete foundation of Anne’s childhood home. These remnants provided tangible links to the past for Anne and others who had to leave Shiloh behind.

Despite the dispersal, the spirit of Shiloh lived on. Reunions organized in new locations allowed former residents to gather, share stories, and cherish the memories of their once-vibrant town. Anne and her family, now operating an RV park with great access to the river, hosted several such reunions.

Legacy and the power of shared memories

The legacy of Shiloh extends beyond its physical boundaries. Reunions became a significant part of preserving and celebrating the town’s history. People brought photos and shared tales, reconstructing Shiloh in their hearts and minds. These gatherings were not just about returning to a place, but about reconnecting with a shared past.

Anne’s accounts of her childhood provide a gateway to understanding the profound impact of the town’s submersion. They highlight the ways memories and traditions can endure despite physical displacement. The water that submerged Shiloh may have taken the town, but it could not take the flood of memories rooted deeply in the hearts of its former residents.

As we explore the submerged history of Shiloh, we realize how critical such stories are to preserving our shared heritage. They remind us of the lives lived, the communal ties formed, and the resilience of human memory. The waters of Greers Ferry Lake, shimmering above the lost town, hold within them the tales of Shiloh, cherished and kept alive by those who once called it home.

Lance Brownfield
Scroll to Top