Take a guided tour through history…

Take a guided tour through history…

O’Neal envisions CD promoting local heritage

news@theeveningtimes.com

Tourism boosters are exploring the idea of producing a CD and brochure aimed at getting people off the Interstate to check out all of the history in and around Marion.

Rosalind O’Neal, a local history buff who pitched the idea to the Marion Advertising and Promotions Commission, said Marion is rich in history and that a narrated driving tour with signs for people to stop at would be a nice way to get visitors to spend time in Marion.

“This has been a dream project of mine for many years,” O’Neal said. “This would basically be a gimmick to get people to come through Marion, but through the scenic route.”

As envisioned by O’Neal, the CD would be accompanied by a brochure which would guide the traveler through the area’s history along Mound City Road and the Military Road to the Arkansas Delta Byways and Great River Road.

O’Neal said there would be signs identifying the different historical sites where visitors could pull off and listen to the narration explaining the historical significance.

Topics would include Mississippian Indian culture; explorer Hernado De Soto’s exploration of the Mississippi River through Wapanocca Chute and Tyronza River to the St. Francis River and the Mississippian village of Casqui (Parkin Archaeological Park), the 1803 Louisiana Purchase, Military Road, Trail of Tears – Bell Route, 1862 Battle of Memphis, 1863 burning of Hopefield; sinking of the Sultana, river landings, cutting of the bottomland hardwood forests, construction of levees, and information on the various crops grown.

“There have got to be places for people to stop so they can read the signs and listen to the narration,” O’Neal said. “And everything on that list Åis somewhere along that road.”

O’Neal suggested having actor Michael Beck do the narration and possibly including sound effects like cannon fire in the distance from the Battle of Memphis, or a mule hawing in the field plowing cotton.

Beck, who is from Memphis, is best known for is role of Swan in the 1970 film The Warriors and has narrated numerous John Grisham audio books.

“I really want a good narrator,” O’Neal said.

The CD would be free and be available at the Arkansas Welcome Center, Tennessee Visitor Center, hotels, restaurants, Marion Chamber of Commerce, Sultana Museum, and by request through Arkansas Delta Byways and Great River Road, and Arkansas Parks and Tourism.

“I don’t want there to be a charge for this,” O’Neal said.

O’Neal asked for a commitment from A& P of $15,000 to help pay for the project, but added that she will also be seeking out grant funding through other state tourism agencies.

“I have no idea of the cost,” O’Neal said.

Councilman David Bigger, who is a member of A& P,

said the project is worth pursuing. “I think it is a great idea and is much needed,” Bigger

said.

O’Neal said the CD and brochure would be a great tool to promote Marion and get travelers to stop and stay in the city.

“I want people who are coming through the area to stop and base in Marion,” O’Neal said. “And if you look at the list of things to see, there is a lot here. And it is a pretty drive.”

By Mark Randall