As Dunbar and Hunter ascended the Ouachita River, they met their most formidable challenge in the Rockport Shelf, a series of rapids that took the expedition a full day to navigate. Today, canoeists and kayakers test their skill and mettle against the same rapids from Ouachita Whitewater Park.
Arriving in the Hot Springs area, the expedition set up a base camp at a spot today under Lake Catherine. From this spot, they investigated the thermal springs and hiked Hot Springs Mountain, spending a month in the area. In January 1806, it was time to return to Natchez. With the current pushing them downstream, the explorers joyfully began their return journey.
Hot Springs | Arkadelphia | Malvern & Hot Spring County
↙ Connections (to New Boston) | ↘ Monroe & Ouachita Timberlands
Native Nations, Native Landscapes
Salt: A Valuable Commodity
Outdoor Recreation
Some Like It Hot: Thermophiles in Hot Springs
Black History Along the Red River
Dr. George Hunter, Chemist and Explorer
Hot Springs | Arkadelphia | Malvern & Hot Spring County
↙ Connections (to New Boston) | ↘ Monroe & Ouachita Timberlands