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May was National Historic Preservation month in Arkansas and Drew County received a major improvement to a significant historic site.
Rough & Ready Cemetery is on the National Historic Register but has suffered from a lack of attention and funding. Like many old cemeteries, there is no cemetery association, church, or family group to oversee the maintenance of the grounds.
In the earliest days of the settlement of Drew County, the Rough & Ready area was the center of county activity and became the first county seat.
The cemetery was established in 1847 and is the resting place for many of Drew County’s earliest pioneer families. In 1999 the cemetery’s history was documented and officially added to the National Register. The Drew County Research Archive has all these records available.
The leadership of the Drew County Historical Society and Drew County Museum Commission recognized the problem and activated a campaign to address the problem. Several appeals were presented to the Quorum Court identifying the problem and seeking support. Society Board members Dr. Kyle Day, Jim Searcy, and Tommy Gray continued to move forward to find a way to make improvements at Rough & Ready. Under their leadership a plan was developed and clean up activities were put into action.
Tommy Gray led the efforts over the two day project. With the assistance of tree removal and ground clearing equipment and personnel, the project was completed and Rough and Ready was reclaimed from Mother Nature.
Drew County has a proud and longstanding legacy to preserve history. This effort demonstrates the mission of the Drew County Historical Society and Museum. Preservation, documentation and education are cornerstones of their efforts and worthy of county and citizen support.
