FORT SMITH, Ark. -- Hundreds of acres of land home to the ruins of Arkansas ghost towns were auctioned off for just over $3 million by the U.S. Marshals Service on March 13. The top bidder spoke to 5NEWS shortly after about what his plans are for the land.
Lacey Hendrix's family lived on the land for over 50 years. The property includes multiple houses, barns, and the ruins of Armada and Schaberg, two towns of Arkansas' past predating WWII.
The towns were established over a century ago and were at one time home to hundreds of people before being deserted. Lacey's family then settled on the land before it was seized in recent years by U.S. Marshals and put up for auction, where one bidder came out on top Thursday.
Charles "Chuck" Tidwell is originally from Louisiana, but said he served as a commanding officer for the Naval Reserve Center in Arkansas from 1983 to 1986, when he retired. In the 90s, he started buying and investing in property in the Natural State.
During the auction on March 13 at the U.S. courthouse in Fort Smith, Tidwell purchased the land for around $3.4 million.
Tidwell said of the price that the number was high, but the property was worth it.
"It's a lot of money, but money is just money," Tidwell said. "A beautiful place is something more than money."
Having grown up in the bayou, Tidwell said he understands the fun of a good swimming hole. He explained he's looking forward to exploring the entire property over the next few years, especially viewing the scenery in the fall.
Lacey told 5NEWS days before the auction they were hoping the future owner would steward the land well, and Tidwell said Thursday he plans to do just that.
"I plan to keep it hopefully as one piece of property and keep it as natural as possible. Have it so that it can be enjoyed, the beauty of the Boston and Ozark mountains," Tidwell said. "I'm delighted. It's a beautiful piece of property, I think it's going to be a nice thing to enjoy for the rest of my life, and maybe for my kids for their entire lives."
The Hendrix family was at the auction on Thursday and said they're very happy with the outcome.
"It's a very unique situation, something I've never faced before, but it was nice having my family there, my support, and really honestly it's a relief where we're at today, we're super happy with the outcome," Lacey said.
"It seems like a good family is going to take it on and hopefully steward it in the way my family had," Lacey added. She explained there was a strong showing at the auction, and that the property is well worth the price tag.
For more information on the property, the history of the land, and what the previous owners said leading up to the auction click here.