Papaws Spring, Horatio, AR 71842

## Overview Papaws Spring is a historic artesian spring located along Red Bridge Road near Horatio in Sevier County, Arkansas. This public drinking spring has been a cherished local water source for generations, with families in the area passing down knowledge of its location and quality. One longtime visitor recalls being brought here as a youngster by his grandfather and great-grandfather, Ernest Dinger — a testament to the spring's deep roots in the community. The spring features a circular, brick-lined artesian well, a construction style common to many rural Arkansas springs that were improved in the early-to-mid 20th century to protect the water source and make it easier for locals to collect water. Artesian springs like this one flow naturally under pressure from underground aquifers, meaning the water rises to the surface without the need for pumping — a hallmark of clean, naturally filtered groundwater. Historically, the water from Papaws Spring has been used as a drinking water source by area residents. Sevier County sits in the southwestern corner of Arkansas, a region underlain by Cretaceous-age sedimentary formations that give rise to numerous artesian springs. The area's geology — layers of sandstone, limestone, and clay — creates the conditions for pressurized aquifers that feed springs like this one. ## Directions 1. From Horatio, Arkansas, head toward **Red Bridge Road** (the spring's nearest address is 2198 Red Bridge Road, Horatio, AR 71842). 2. Follow Red Bridge Road until you reach a turnaround area. 3. The brick-lined artesian well is located approximately **30 yards from the turnaround**. 4. GPS coordinates: **33.950372, -94.284661** — use these for navigation, as the spring can be easy to miss if you're unfamiliar with the area. ## What to Expect Visitors will find a circular, brick-lined artesian well set back roughly 30 yards from a road turnaround along Red Bridge Road. The spring is in a rural, quiet setting typical of southwestern Arkansas — expect rolling terrain, mixed pine and hardwood forest, and minimal development nearby. As an artesian well, the water flows naturally under pressure from an underground aquifer. The brick lining suggests the spring was improved at some point to protect the source and provide easier access for collecting water. The flow and condition of the well may vary seasonally and over time, so visitors should be prepared for the possibility that the site's appearance has changed from its earlier days. This is a rustic, roadside spring with no formal facilities. There is no signage or park infrastructure — local knowledge and GPS coordinates are your best tools for finding it. The area is accessible by car, and the short walk from the turnaround to the spring is on relatively flat ground.