We reach Eureka Springs, a small town of 2000 and decide this is the perfect small American town to spend July 4th. As it turns out, the town was founded exactly 133 years ago, on July 4th, 1879. By the end of the year, approximately 10,000 people were living here, drawn by the promise of health and healing from the natural springs.
We drive around a find cute Victorian homes (the city was named one of twelve "Distinctive Destinations" by the National Trust for Historic Preservation). We have drinks on the roof of Crescent Hotel (a historic hotel said to be haunted), toasting with Sam Adams in honor of the holiday.
We stroll through the town, passing a biker bar and cute fudge stores. It's said that the town got it's reputation for healing from the Civil War, when Major Cooper (who led Confederate troops in the Indian Territory) came to Eureka Springs to recover and recuperate.
While it's July 4th, the night is eerily quiet, as there is a legal ban against all firecrackers and fireworks. Eureka Springs hasn't had any rain in two months.
Interestingly, we learn that Eureka Springs is second only to Vegas for the number of marriages performed each year. A couple can get married within one hour of obtaining a license... which explains all the honeymoon suites and marriage signs around town!
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