The tiny town of Maysville, Arkansas, lies tucked away in the westernmost part of the state in Benton County. It has about 117 residents according to the 2020 census and understandably shares the resources of its sister community, Gravette, along with other larger cities like Siloam Springs, Bella Vista, and Bentonville.

You might not know that this blink-and-you-missed-it community is one of the oldest in Benton County. Indeed, it once had a much larger population that vied with Bentonville's. In the mid-1800s, it was even the largest settlement in the county. Maysville had its own commercial apple orchard and several shops and was home to one of the country's first "free love" communes. The Harmonial Vegetarian Society, whose members believed in peace, love, and vegetarianism, but not marriage.

However, this brief golden age did not last. Time, misfortune, and circumstance took their toll. Railroads and roadways bypassed the town, reducing growth opportunities. There were also conflicts with Native Americans and skirmishes during the Civil War. By the war's end, the apple orchard was no more, the commune had disbanded, and the town never really regained footing. All that remains of Maysville's storied past is an old stone schoolhouse and a farmstead known as Sellers Farm, both now on the National Register of Historic Places.

Maysville is far from a ghost town today, even if the ghosts of its turbulent past still linger in abandoned places. There is still a charming little community here. One might even argue that Maysville's citizens love their peaceful, quiet existence. After all, country life calls to us in one way or another, and Maysville has the best of both worlds. If you live here, there is something to see or do just a stone's throw away:

There are fantastic eateries throughout the area. You'll be lucky to find a seat at Gravette's Hard Luck Café. But if you don't, head to Hollywood's, where they treat you like a star, and they might just treat you to one of their famous smoked burgers, too. Or you could swing over to Peace, Love & Coffee for a cup o' joe and some local gossip. (If there aren't ghosts from the Harmonial Vegetarian Society hanging out there, we'd be surprised.) The Gravette Historical Museum is a fascinating place to learn about the area's rich culture and history. It's decorated with authentic period pieces and free to visit.

Meanwhile, the Old Spanish Treasure Cave in Sulphur Springs is a famed hiding spot of the Spanish Conquistadors, and many believe that treasure is still hidden there. Take a guided tour, visit their rock shop, or sluice for some real gems yourself.

Nearby Sulphur Springs City Park is just one of many beautiful parks nearby. It has lots of fun recreational activities for the whole family. Plus, it has a gorgeous creek that meanders through the property. It's the perfect spot to picnic and view the local wildlife.

Then again, in Maysville, you might see your fair share of wildlife in your backyard or a little too near your home. Animals are often a nuisance to homeowners here, but no worries. You've got Natural State Wildlife Solutions to assist you. We also believe in peace and love and the humane treatment and removal of invasive animals. If you need assistance, please contact us.