In this episode, we dig into the chilling crimes of serial killer Mark Alan Smith, whose brutal acts of violence began in Mountain Home, Arkansas, and spanned multiple states and countries. Join us as we uncover the disturbing details of his murders and the lasting impact of his crimes.

#ozarks #arkansas #history #podcast #truecrime

In this episode, we uncover the captivating story of the "Eureka Baby," a fossilized human child discovered in 1880 by a well driller in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Initially celebrated as a groundbreaking scientific find, this discovery captivated audiences nationwide. However, nearly 70 years later, the tale took a dramatic turn. Join us as we explore the origins, the excitement, and the ultimate revelations surrounding this remarkable story.

Sources:
“Arkansas’ Famous ‘Petrified’ Baby.” Arkansas Democrat Sunday Magazine, February 15, 1948, p. 8.

Burnett, Abby. “The Eureka Baby—Human or Hoax?” Carroll County Historical Quarterly 55 (March 2010): 13–18.

Kalklosch, L. J. The Healing Fountain, Eureka Springs, Ark., a Complete History. Eureka Springs, AR: 1881.

Schaefer, Susan. The Bear Hunter, the Bareback Rider and the Governor…and Other Stories of Early Eureka Springs.Springfield, MO: Color Graphics, 2004.

"Eccentrics of Eureka Springs." Arkansas Online, October 31, 2021.

"Eureka Baby Exhibit Opens May 17 at ESHM." Eureka Springs Times-Echo, May 11, 2023.

"The Eureka Springs Baby." Encyclopedia of Arkansas, January 9, 2019.

In this episode, we share one of the strangest cases in Ozarks history – the mysterious murder (or was it?) of Connie Franklin. In 1929, a drifter named Connie Franklin arrived in Stone County, Arkansas, only to seemingly meet a violent end. But when a man claiming to be Connie reappeared, the case took a bizarre twist. Was Connie really murdered, or was the whole story a case of mistaken identity? With rumors of murder, deception, and a shocking trial, this tale is full of twists and turns you won’t believe. Tune in as we unravel the mystery of Connie Franklin. #ozarks #arkansas #history #podcast #truecrime #stonecounty #stonecountyarkansas #mountainview #saintjames #mystery #bizarre Sources Wikipedia Contributors. “Murder of Connie Franklin.” Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder_of_Connie_Franklin Fletcher, Chenout. "Four Cleared of Slaying Franklin," *Arkansas Gazette*, December 20, 1929 Allen, Deane. "Man at Batesville Identified as Franklin," *Arkansas Democrat*, December 8, 1929 Blevins, Brooks. Ghost of the Ozarks: Murder and Memory in the Upland South. Urbana: University of Illinois Press, 2012. Olsson, Carl. “Startling Franklin Case Development Predicted,” *Arkansas Democrat, December 15, 1929 “Connie Franklin Reported Living,” Arkansas Gazette, December 5, 1929 Teske, Steven. Unvarnished Arkansas: The Naked Truth about Nine Famous Arkansans. Little Rock: Butler Center Books, 2012. “Five Indicted as Climax to Murder Probe,” Arkansas Democrat, November 24, 1929 Lyon College Professor. "Lyon College Professor Researches Mysterious Stone County 'Murder'." Arkansas Democrat, March 3, 2008. “From Baxter Bulletin Files.” Baxter County History 7 (1981) “Connie Franklin: The Man who Testified at the Trial for His Own Murder” AKA The Arkansas Ghost Trial. Mystifyingly Missing, True Crime & Thought-provoking Events, Aug 21, 2023. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mystifyingly-missing-true-crime-thought-provoking-events/id1587173256?i=1000625222272. - Encyclopedia of Arkansas. "Connie Franklin." https://encyclopediaofarkansas.net/entries/connie-franklin-5929/. - Strange Company Blog. "The Arkansas Ghost Trial." http://strangeco.blogspot.com/2014/06/the-arkansas-ghost-trial.html. - Ancestry.com. - Findagrave.com.

In this episode, we share the tragic story of Arkansas State Trooper Algin Sidney Pavatt, the first Arkansas State Trooper to be killed in the line of duty. On a routine check of a cabin in Marion County, Pavatt unknowingly walked into a deadly situation that would cost him his life. We explore the events leading up to his murder, the aftermath, and whether the actions of his killer, a World War II veteran, were driven by trauma or something darker. Join us as we uncover the details of this tragic case and remember the sacrifice of Trooper Pavatt.

#Ozarks #Arkansas #Podcast #History #ASP #Police

In this episode, we dig into the remarkable life of Quatawapea, also known as Colonel John Lewis, a Shawnee leader born around 1760 in Ohio. From his involvement in the Revolutionary and Northwest Indian Wars to leading his people to Shawnee Town in what is now Yellville, Arkansas, Quatawapea sought to create an autonomous Indian Nation while resisting American expansion and preserving Shawnee culture. We highlight his diplomatic efforts, including his interactions with figures like William Clark and his recognition by President Thomas Jefferson, who awarded him the Presidential Peace Medal; and President Andrew Jackson. Join us as we explore Quatawapea's legacy of leadership, diplomacy, and cultural preservation during the pressures of westward expansion and the Trail of Tears.

In this episode, we talk about the real life connections between The Beverly Hillbillies and the Ozarks. From the Missouri roots of the shows creator to cast members' ties to Arkansas, learn how the show's humor, values, and characters were shaped by the region's culture and landscapes. As one of TV's most-watched programs, The Beverly Hillbillies was the first show to surpass 50 million viewers, ranking No. 1 for two seasons, with 16 episodes still among the top 100 most-watched in U.S. history. Its lasting legacy includes seven Emmy nominations and a 1993 film adaptation. #ozarks #arkansas #history #podcast #1836 #fyp #fy #fypage #BeverlyHills #beverly #hillbillies #joplin #springfield #branson #silverdollarcity #eureka #eurekasprings #jed #elly #jethro #granny

In this episode, we dig into the rollercoaster history of Dogpatch USA, a unique theme park inspired by the "Li'l Abner" comic strip that charmed visitors in the Ozark Mountains from 1968 to 1993. Join us as we explore the park's origins, from its start as a simple trout farm to its transformation into a beloved destination packed with quirky attractions and unforgettable characters. We'll examine the rise and fall, the factors that fueled its early success, the challenges it faced in its later years, and its enduring legacy in the landscape of American theme parks. We'll also bring you up to speed on the current efforts to revive the site as Marble Falls Nature Park and what this transformation means for the future of this unique piece of Americana.

In this episode, we explore the extraordinary journey of Lum and Abner, two iconic characters who left a lasting mark on American radio comedy for nearly 25 years. Discover how two young men from Arkansas, Chet Lauck and Norris Goff, captured the hearts of thousands of listeners across the entire nation with their genuine portrayal of rural life and relatable humor. Their success not only earned them a place in the Radio Hall of Fame but also changed the course of entertainment, influencing the media landscape we see today.

#Ozarks #Arkansas #History #Podcast #LumAndAbner #1836