• Menu
  • Menu
Ozark Medieval Fortress

Ozark Medieval Fortress

City/Town:
Location Class:
Built: 2009 | Abandoned: 2012
Status: Abandoned
Photojournalist: Eddy Sisson

Ozark Medieval Fortress is a project designed to construct an accurate replica of a 13th-century French castle in Lead Hill, Arkansas. Construction is carried out on the site using only materials and techniques appropriate to the 13th century. The ground was broken in 2009, with the expectation that completion will take about 20 years.

The project was inspired by Guédelon Castle in France, which is the first attempt to build a medieval castle using accurate construction methods, started by Michel Guyot. Two French citizens living in Arkansas offered to sell Guyot part of their land for the building of a similar fortification. Guyot accepted, and construction began in June 2009.

In May 2010, Ozark Medieval Fortress opened to the public. Visitors had the opportunity to observe the ongoing construction and talk to the costumed workers. Additionally, starting in 2011 a collection of medieval siege weapons was to be on display. The site was open every day from 10AM to 6PM.

In January 2012 the project closed indefinitely, requiring a buyer or an investor.

Read more: Ozark Medieval Fortress closes for now
Gallery Below




Bibliography
5 1 vote
Article Rating

If you wish to support our current and future work, please consider making a donation or purchasing one of our many books. Any and all donations are appreciated.

Donate to our cause Check out our books!

Michael Schwarz

Leave a Reply to Danielle BarneyCancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

17 Comments
Newest
Oldest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Karl Buchanan
Karl Buchanan
2 years ago

Rosewood is just down the highway about 20 minutes and we were hoping it would do well. A forest monastery 20 minutes away with a tour garden would have been a nice touch and had plenty of trade items. If I end up a millionaire I’ll do it, though really, it is a multi million dollar project and my sympathies for the founders. The area is beautiful.

Timm
Timm
5 years ago

I Searched This Really There Were Informative Articles At The Place. Pub Chairs

Danielle Barney
Danielle Barney
7 years ago

It'd be so cool to do a photo shoot here… UGH

Cynthia Hammers-Jones
7 years ago

I never knew about this my kids would've loved it

Edward Hughes
7 years ago

Just wondering, how much are they asking?

Sharon
Sharon
8 years ago

I remember reading about the progress of this and then the closure of it at the time. There was more to it than what the above implies – i.e., that it closed simply because of funding issues. If I remember right – it was discovered they were (on the sly) taking shortcuts in the building process and were using tools and materials that weren't "allowed." So I believe there was pretense involved and they were found out. That had a lot to do with their closing. It's too bad – it sure is a beautiful site and a fascinating vision.

R Goyne
R Goyne
8 years ago

The article specifies this site was to be "an accurate replica of a 13th-century French castle…" that was being built in Lead Hill.

J Calhoun
J Calhoun
8 years ago

There were no French anywhere in North America in the 13th Century.

Cindy
Cindy
8 years ago

They chose the location because of the proximity to water, stone, and trees.
Hated to see it close.
Investors?

Shawn
Shawn
8 years ago

These guys are doing wonders for Arkansas just by recognizing it in beautiful pictures and intelligent stories. Thanks Abandoned Arkansas.

Judy
Judy
8 years ago

I stopped by this place and it is awesome. Wish it was still open because I'd like to go back. I think if it had better advertising maybe that would help.

Nicole
Nicole
Reply to  Judy
7 years ago

Me too! I'd planned to go every 5 years or so to see the difference over time. Sad it's closed down now.

Michelle
Michelle
8 years ago

We toured this the year before it closed. Absolutely fascinating. My kids didn't even notice they couldn't use their cell phones at the time. Their intention was to make it a side trip for the Branson crowd but it all takes money & they unfortunately ran out.

Kevin
Kevin
8 years ago

That makes me really sad!!

Patricia
Patricia
8 years ago

I never even knew about it till i saw this.

Kent
Kent
8 years ago

They just picked a place to remote to build the thing. If they would have built it closer to Branson tourist would have visited it.

Jennifer
Jennifer
8 years ago

I wish someone would take this project on. It's an amazing idea.

Copyright © 2009- - Abandoned Atlas Foundation - board@AbandonedAtlas.com | Designed By Prairie Nation Creative, LLC - Disclaimer

Total
30
Share
17
0
Have history here? Would love hear your stories or your thoughts.x
()
x