𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐚 𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐝𝐨𝐦 𝐨𝐟 𝐑𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

Wallace Knob in background

 

Should we discard a part of history because something blatantly wrong took place? Or should we take on the role of our Creator and strive to redeem those aspects of our past? We must acknowledge the evil and work diligently to redeem our history; otherwise, our chronicling of the past holds no value.

 

The Invisible Empire was a common term used by the KKK to refer to their supposed authority and influence, often operating covertly and using intimidation tactics to assert control over communities. In 1922, the Ku Klux Klan burned a cross on Wallace Knob. But that’s not the whole story of Wallace Knob.

 

As a historian, I was invited to give the keynote address at the Baxter County Democratic Party this past May (2024). I was requested to address this situation that happened in 1922. As a Republican, I was honored they would trust me. They are not my enemy. I took a deep breath and prepared my bullet points. I determined to follow the history of a certain knob, or hill, in the north part of Mountain Home, Arkansas, called 𝐖𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐊𝐧𝐨𝐛 because I believe in Redemption. So, I am going to share some of my notes. If you want to know more, invite me to your group. Hint: I tend to get a little preachy.

 

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐧 𝐖𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐊𝐧𝐨𝐛?

The knob was named after Dr. J. H. Wallace. It was not as wooded as it is today, and the top was known to be cleared except for a lone oak tree. The Oak Signal Tree on Wallace Knob, along with Matney Knob, was used in the 1893 Geographical & Geological Survey for Baxter County.

 

In 1905, the goal was formulated in the Baxter Bulletin for electrical lines to be stretched from Willow Springs, Missouri to Wallace Knob. (Didn’t happen.)

 

In 1906, the Talbert brothers brought back a mess of turkeys for many people to eat. Also, the Dormitory families from Mountain Home Baptist College gathered a large harvest of persimmons & Cockleburs from this knob.

 

In 1907, the Big Chunk Mining Claim scored an impressive load of "jack" (zinc) among the 155 registered mines within Baxter County.

 

Tragically in 1909, fire killed half of the lone, signal oak tree, but it refused to die, and shoots sprouted out. Cries went out from the Baxter Bulletin for children to gather seedlings for upcoming Arbor Days and plant new trees on Wallace Knob.

 

In 1912, Wallace Knob was the location for Mountain Home students to take geography class trips.

 

In 1915, fire swept through the knob and surrounding areas of Mountain Home.

 

In 1916 and 1917, a great harvest of opossums was gathered for good eating.

 

In 1917, on the north side of the knob, impressive loads of lead and zinc were found.

 

In 1918, during World War I, soldiers from Baxter County wrote back home saying they were looking forward to seeing two things: Wallace Knob and pretty Baxter County girls.

 

In 1921, Professor Ward, a military instructor from Mountain Home Baptist College, put on a display with his students of a Mock Battle for the whole county to witness. 

 

In 1922, the Ku Klux Klan Burned a Cross on Wallace Knob. Read the clippings.

 

In 1926, fire swept through the knob and surrounding areas of Mountain Home again, and the city ran to their neighbors to help save their homes, barns, livestock, and land. Children to the rescue in planting more trees.

 

By 1936, the knob was the scene for families and classes to gather and have picnics. 

 

In 1937, churches gathered on the knob to celebrate Easter Sunrise Service. 

 

In 1956, Brownie Scouts braved the ascent, had their own picnic, and earned badges.

 

By 1960, two 106-foot towers were erected on Wallace Knob for a new cable television company boasting 5 Channels:

Channels 3 & 10 out of Springfield, Missouri

Channels 4, 7 & 11 out of Little Rock, Arkansas.

 

The towers were such a hit and landmark on Wallace Knob that Arkansas Power & Light (AP&L) placed and lit a public Nativity Scene for all to enjoy!

Not one paying AP&L customer complained about the public display.

 

Should we talk about 1922? Yes, of course!

It's a band-aid that should be removed. 

 

I love my Ozarks, but I had to join the Air Force to see our beautiful palette of colors of our Father's creation. I love our history and the opportunities we have to change our future. Putting action to our convictions is the Work of Redemption.

 

Acts 17:24a - And [God] hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth.

If you think any of this is important, Please Share!

 

Baxter Bulletin - August 4, 1922
Mountain Home, Arkansas •
Fri, Aug 4, 1922

 

 

Baxter Bulletin - September 15, 1922