Summary
On March 25, 1864, Steele's army crossed the Saline River with some skirmishing
The Route
▷ We previously began at Benton Road, ending on West South Street just west of I-30, which is our starting point. If necessary, this point can be reached by taking I-30 Exit 116 Sevier Street South Street from Little Rock.
▷ W South Street at I-30 Frontage Road, Benton ARFollow I-30 Frontage Road southwestward for about 0.4 mile.
▷ I-30 Frontage Rd at Arkansas 229, Saline Co ARTurn right (northward) when West South Street becomes Arkansas 229. Cross the Saline River about 0.2 mile later.
▷ Arkansas 229 crossing Saline River, Saline Co, ARContinue about 1.85 miles through more open country while making a swing from traveling northwest back to the southwest.
▷ Arkansas 229 becomes US 67 when crossing under I-30, Saline Co, ARThe road becomes US 67 when it passes under I-30. The route continues on US 67 through Saline County for about 7.5 miles to county line.
▷ US 67 crosses Saline/Hot Spring County Line, ARThe Saline County / Hot Spring County line can also be reached from I-30 Exit 106 Old Military Road. It's about 0.4 miles south of the end of the off-ramp on the southeast side.
▷ This brings us to the next point of interest, Hot Spring County and Rockport.
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This brings us to the next point of interest, Hot Spring County and Rockport.
Crossing the Saline River
Crossing the Saline River on Highway 229 near Benton brings a sudden change from the busy traffic rushing along Interstate 30 and the many incorporated towns between Little Rock and Benton. The lush lowlands that border the Saline River as Highway 229 loops through the countryside are quiet pastures with grazing cattle. The line of trees conceals the rush of cars and trucks on a busy, modern Interstate almost until Highway 229 approaches and passes under I-30 and merges with US Highway 67.
Photo by Peggy Lloyd
The Arkansas Health Center
The many buildings and well-maintained grounds of the Arkansas Health Center on the south side of US Highway 67 about five miles outside Benton in Saline County catch the eye of the passer-by. The State of Arkansas acquired the land in 1929 to start the Benton Farm Colony, an expanded unit of the overcrowded Arkansas State Hospital in Little Rock. Built to hold 2,000 inmates, the first buildings were completed in 1931 followed by additional buildings in 1935 and the admission of the first patient in 1936. Patients received care and aided the institution by participating in farming. The State Legislature ceased the farming operations in 1957, viewing them as inappropriate for persons with mental issues. Other changes came in the 1960s including the admission of African American patients. Eventually, psychiatric services were discontinued in 1977 and patients moved to Little Rock. Though many buildings appear empty and not in use, this state facility now known as The Arkansas Health Center has a large state-owned long-term care nursing home for patients with particularly difficult problems, provides clinical experience for nursing students from several colleges, has a work release program for inmates from the Arkansas Department of Corrections who are seeking education and rehabilitation, and has facilities for non-profits treating people with severe mental problems and disabilities.
Photo by Peggy Lloyd
Up Next
This brings us to the next point of interest, Hot Spring County and Rockport.