| Address |
| Jacksonport, Arkansas, United States |
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| Information |
White River Monster Refuge
In February 1973, this area of the White River was designated as the "White River Monster Refuge" by the state legislature in honor of its most famous inhabitant, the White River Monster. As part of the resolution, the law states that it is "unlawful to kill, molest, trample or harm the White River Monster while in its native refuge."
The White River Monster
Sightings of the White River Monster date back into the 1800's and started back up again in 1937. At that point, four people reported seeing a giant creature swimming in the river, leading one local to seek permission to dynamite an eddy and kill the creature. His request was denied and thousands of tourists descended upon Jacksonsport (and nearby Newport), Arkansas to get a glimpse of the creature. It reportedly made fairly regular appearances following a set pattern. The monster was described as "wide as a car and three cars long," with the skin texture of an elephant. Multiple theories were thrown around, including the monster was nothing more than a giant catfish or sturgeon, or simply a sunken boat that rose and then sunk again. A diver was sent in to search for the creature, but found nothing and the sightings only became sporadic for decades.
1970's
Shortly after Fouke, Arkansas was launched into the spotlight with sightings of the (land-based) Fouke Monster, that would later inspire the horror film The Legend of Boggy Creek (see Boggy Creek, Arkansas), a new batch of sightings of the White River Monster would start to surface, including people finding three-toed footprints along the side of the river (which leads some to believe that the monster might be nothing more than an elephant seal). In July 1971, a man by the name of Cloyce Warren announced that he had a Polaroid picture that he took of the monster and people once again flocked to the river to see for themselves. In response, the state legislature adopted the measure above.
The White River Monster Today
There have been few if any sightings of the monster these days. Some believe that the monster follows a specific pattern and only comes to the area every 30 or 40 years, which could mean that a new batch of sightings will start any day. Others insist that all the dams that have been constructed on the river have lowered the river to a point that the creature probably could no longer survive. Regardless, his presence is still celebrated in Newport and he serves as the lead parade float for the annual Christmas Parade. Around then, as well as other festivals around Newport, White River Monster souvenirs are reportedly available from various shops in the area. |
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| Related Sites |
Legends of America: White River Monster
Legends of America's entry on the White River Monster in Arkansas. |
Anybody Seen Whitey?
An article from Ozarks Magazine detailing the history of the White River Monster in Arkansas. |
Encyclopedia of Arkansas: White River Monster
The Encyclopedia of Arkansas' entry on the White River Monster nearby Newport, Arkansas. |
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| Similar Destinations |
| Crater Lake National Park |
| Lake Champlain |
| Mekong River, Thailand |
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| See Also on TheCabinet.com |
| Dark Destinations in the News (10/31/07) |
| Blog: A "Monster" Protected by the Government (02/15/09) |
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| Available from Amazon.com |
"Shades" of the White River Monster |
Arkansas Off the Beaten Path, 7th (Off the Beaten Path Series) |
The Bear Went Over the Mountain. Tall Tales of American Animals |
An Arkansas Folklore Sourcebook |
Superstition and the Press (Science & the Paranormal Series) |
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