Boxley Valley, along the Buffalo National River in Newton County, is a hidden gem that tells the story of a community that grew up around trapping and farming starting around 1830.
The Boxley Valley Historic District, part of the Buffalo National River protected area , stands as a testament to the enduring spirit and traditions of the early settlers who shaped this picturesque valley.
The Boxley Valley cultural landscape spans approximately 8,000 acres and includes around 170 historic structures.
These structures, ranging from single-family dwellings to barns and community buildings, reflect the regional architecture of the Ozarks. The period of significance for the valley stretches from 1840 to 1972, beginning with the settlement by Euro-Americans and ending with the establishment of the Buffalo National River.
The early settlers of Boxley Valley were primarily Euro-American families who arrived in the area around 1830. Many of these settlers had Cherokee spouses and chose to stay in the valley when the Cherokee were forced to move westward.
Notable early settlers included families like the Villines, Boyers, and Caseys. One of the most renowned settlers was James "Beaver Jim" Villines, whose boyhood home is part of the Boxley Valley Historic District.
Villines was the son of William and Rebecca (Cecil), who were members of one of the first families to move into the area.
Natives of North Carolina, and Virgina, the Villines roots in Newton County stretch back to Beaver Jim's great grandfather Abraham. Abraham, born in 1777 in Suffolk City Virginia came to the valley in 1832,
The early settlers practiced subsistence farming, growing hay, wheat, corn, and raising livestock. The landscape is dotted with fence lines, stone walls, wells, and cisterns, all remnants of the valley's agricultural past.
Today, some small family farms continue to operate, maintaining the traditions that give the valley its unique character.
Beaver Jim Villines made several notable contributions to Boxley Valley and its community. Known for his fur trapping skills, particularly beaver trapping, Beaver Jim built his homestead in 1882.
The homestead, which includes a cabin and various outbuildings, is now part of the Boxley Valley Historic District and serves as a historical site for visitors to learn about life in the late 1800s.
Beaver Jim's homestead is considered historically significant as it represents a well-preserved example of a late 19th-century pioneer settlement. The homestead provides insight into the daily life and self-sufficiency of early settlers and serves as a link to the past.
In addition to its rich cultural history, Big Buffalo Valley offers unique natural experiences. Fall is the prime time for elk watching due to the rutting (mating) season, which starts in late September.
Elk are most active in the early mornings and late afternoons, making these times ideal for observation.
Prime locations for elk watching are along Highway 43 between Ponca and the Highway 21 junction. Visitors can often spot elk feeding in the pastures near the road. The elk population in this area was reintroduced in the early 1980s by the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission. Since then, the herd has flourished and now numbers over 800 animals.
The National Park Service (NPS) has been instrumental in preserving the Boxley Valley cultural landscape. The Boxley Valley Comprehensive Area Plan, developed with public input, aims to protect cultural and natural resources while improving visitor experiences.
Planned improvements include redesigning parking areas, expanding camping opportunities, and installing new wastewater treatment facilities.
Despite its historical significance, Boxley Valley remains a living community. The valley's residents continue to uphold the traditions and practices that have defined the area for generations. The efforts of the NPS and the dedication of its residents ensure that this cultural landscape will continue to thrive for future generations.
Boxley Valley is more than just a historical site; it is a vibrant community that bridges the past and the present.
The preservation of its cultural heritage and the stories of its early settlers, like Beaver Jim Villines, make Boxley Valley a unique and invaluable part of Arkansas's history.
