Pryor's Passion for Preserving Hobbs State Park

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Two years after David Pryor's death, historians continue to assess his impact on Arkansas. Most will place him atop the list of the state's most popular politicians in the last half-century. One of Pryor's lesser-known achievements was his work to acquire and preserve the 11,644-acre Hobbs State Park–Conservation Area in northwest Arkansas, a tale of political intrigue, a looming deadline, hunting dogs, and a threatening California land speculator.

Why it matters

The Hobbs estate was one of the last large undeveloped areas in northwest Arkansas, offering unlimited prospects for development. State officials viewed it as a chance of a lifetime to preserve the land's outstanding biological diversity, but the window was closing fast as land speculators circled. Pryor's behind-the-scenes efforts to secure the property for the state proved pivotal in protecting this natural treasure for future generations.

The details

Roscoe Conklin Hobbs, a wealthy businessman, had amassed thousands of acres in northwest Arkansas over his lifetime. Upon his death in 1965, his will stipulated that the state be given first option to purchase the 11,644-acre tract. State agencies were eager to obtain the property, but lacked the necessary funding. Meanwhile, land speculators, including rumored interest from entrepreneur Malcolm Forbes, were circling the estate. Pryor assigned his chief of staff, Ray Scott, to spearhead the project, and The Nature Conservancy got involved. Just as the state was about to lose the deal, Pryor discovered that Hobbs had left his hunting dogs to his estranged grandson, David Cordell. Pryor invited Cordell to the mansion, and Cordell agreed to sell an option on his quarter-interest to The Nature Conservancy at a bargain price, with the caveat that the new state park be named after his grandfather.

• In 1977, the Hobbs heirs approached the state, asking $4 million for the 11,644-acre tract.
• In early 1979, The Nature Conservancy took title to the Hobbs estate.
• In February 1979, the Arkansas General Assembly approved legislation allowing the state to purchase the land from The Nature Conservancy.

What they’re saying

What’s next

At 11 a.m. Thursday, the visitor center at Hobbs State Park–Conservation Area will be renamed the David H. Pryor Hobbs Visitor Center. The public is encouraged to attend.