Ozark Medieval Fortress

Ozark Medieval Fortress was a project designed to construct an accurate replica of a 13th-century French castle in Lead Hill, Arkansas.[1] Construction was carried out on the site using only materials and techniques appropriate to the 13th century.[2] The ground was broken in 2009, with the expectation that completion would have taken about 20 years.

Ozark Medieval Fortress
Lead Hill, Arkansas, between Springfield, Missouri and Little Rock, Arkansas
Ozark Medieval Fortress in 2011
Ozark Medieval Fortress is located in Arkansas
Ozark Medieval Fortress
Ozark Medieval Fortress
Coordinates36°26′06″N 93°03′42″W / 36.4349389°N 93.0615583°W / 36.4349389; -93.0615583
TypeCastle
Site information
OwnerMichel Guyot (first owner)
Open to
the public
No
ConditionUnder construction (Paused indefinitely)
Site history
Built2009-January 2012 (2009-January 2012) (originally intended for completion around 2029)
MaterialsMedieval materials: wood, stone, lime,...

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.[3]

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.[4][5] The site is now permanently closed to visitors and only the unfinished ruins of the Ozark Medieval Fortress remain today.

See also

edit

References

edit
  1. ^ "Ozark Medieval Fortress". Bransonshows.com. Archived from the original on 17 November 2015. Retrieved 2 August 2017.
  2. ^ "Building It Medieval-The Ozark Medieval Fortress in Arkansas". Scatoday.net. Archived from the original on 2017-08-02. Retrieved 2 August 2017.
  3. ^ Aimee Levitt (March 18, 2010). "Medieval Castle Under Construction in Ozarks". Riverfront Times. Archived from the original on 2010-08-10. Retrieved 2010-07-12.
  4. ^ [1][permanent dead link]
  5. ^ Schulte, Bret (27 May 2013). "Buyer Sought for Stalled Tourist Castle Near Branson". Nytimes.com. Retrieved 2 August 2017 – via NYTimes.com.
edit