M&NA Engine number 9

--photo courtesy Barth Grayson, White County Historical Society

Although it was never really successful, the Missouri & North Arkansas Railroad made a tremendous impact on the early growth of White County. Can you imagine the excitement when this M&NA Engine #9 pulled out in 1908 with this first train from Searcy to Heber Springs? Large crowds gathered each time the train came and went. Suddenly, small towns along the line from the White River to north Arkansas were easily within reach regardless of the weather. The line also provided employment for many men for many years. For more information on the M&NA, read "Shortline Railroads of Arkansas" by Clifton E. Hull.