Greene County, Arkansas
CROWLEY'S RIDGE, JONES RIDGE AND BIG ROCK
Situated in Greene County are some very unusual geological formations. Foremost of these is Crowley's Ridge. Two others in this area are Jones Ridge and Big Rock.
Crowley's Ridge was created during the Ice Age when glaciers centered over the Great Lakes area. As they retreated to the north their washout formed Crowley's Ridge. Through the ages it eroded into hills and valleys. As you near the lower end of the Ridge to the south you encounter loess soil which was deposited by the wind. Some of this soil was so dense, it is not as badly eroded as other parts of Crowley's Ridge. Huge boulders ans much petrified wood have been found in places on the ridge. Crowley's Ridge is a good source of sand and gravel. Also, it is covered with oak and pine timber.
The second geological oddity is Jones Ridge. This is a low ridge runnung east and west for about five miles. It was probably caused from an upheaval of earth's surface many years ago. It is extensive, but in no way comparable to Crowley's Ridge. Many stone artifacts have been found on Jones Ridge. In order to see this phenomenon of nature, follow Highway 34 toward Delaplaine, cross Cache River, and look to the east.
The third oddity in this area is a place known as Big Rock. It is about ten miles west of Paragould and a short distance north of Highway 412. Big Rock used to be a popular place for school picnics to be held. Located nearby is Sugar Creek that used to be a good creek in which to fish but now has almost disappeared ans is only a small stream. The little village of Stanford is the closest settlement. At Big Rock one can see rocks larger than a house. A glacial washout almost covered a mountain there.
Transcribed by: Sandy Hardin
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