First District

Below is a link to the Wheaton Historical Society with more photos of the depot restoration.

This location on the railroad was simply referred to as "Junction". The Eureka Springs branch left the main line here and there was also a wye. A water tower and coal facility was just west of this location on what is now the Abundant Memories tourist attraction and you can still see the concrete work for the water tower as you walk into their facility since your walking on the former right of way. Today this area is part of the Eureka Springs & North Arkansas tourist railroad.

The line from Junction to Eureka Springs is now part of the Eureka Springs & North Arkansas Railroad. The ES&NA was founded by the Dortch family in the 1980's as a tourist attraction. The family rebuilt the railroad from the Eureka Springs depot to the Junction. Really the only place you can ride over the original North Arkansas Line today. Today the depot is privately owned by a part in California and leased to the ES&NA. About 8 years ago Mr. Dortch passed away and the family put the property up for sale. The webmaster and other parties have inquired about the property as a potential business opportunity but the Realtor (realtors link) and family have unrealistic expectations on the value of the railroad. When first opened they were hauling approximately 100,000 passenger per year, this has diminished to around 30,000 and the lack of revenue is really starting to show on the condition of the buildings and equipment.

Like Junction this area of the railroad was simply called "Tunnel". The following photos were taken a few years ago but are the only recent photos that we have seen of the tunnel.