The Great Little Rock Silver Rush of 1982
In September 1982, an 800-pound boulder of silver-bearing lead ore was unearthed during construction on Fair Park Boulevard. Ben Clardy, a geologist with the Arkansas Geological Commission, recognized its significance and personally ensured its preservation for the state. After lab tests confirmed the high silver content, Ben famously returned to the seller to offer additional payment, upholding his high standard for fair dealing in the mineral world.

Detailed technical data and original photography for this exhibit are courtesy of the Arkansas Geological Survey (now the Office of the State Geologist).

Read the full archived report: “The Great Little Rock Silver Rush“