Ozark Medieval Fortress
Encyclopedia
Ozark Medieval Fortress is a project designed to construct an accurate example of a 13th-century French castle
in Lead Hill
, Arkansas
. Construction is carried out on the site by only using 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 have the opportunity to observe the ongoing construction and talk to the costumed workers. Additionally, starting in 2011 a collection of medieval siege weapons will be on display. The site is open every day from 10AM to 6PM.
Château
A château is a manor house or residence of the lord of the manor or a country house of nobility or gentry, with or without fortifications, originally—and still most frequently—in French-speaking regions...
in Lead Hill
Lead Hill, Arkansas
Lead Hill is a town in Boone County, Arkansas, United States. The population was 287 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Harrison Micropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:Lead Hill is located at ....
, Arkansas
Arkansas
Arkansas is a state located in the southern region of the United States. Its name is an Algonquian name of the Quapaw Indians. Arkansas shares borders with six states , and its eastern border is largely defined by the Mississippi River...
. Construction is carried out on the site by only using 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
Guédelon Castle
Guédelon Castle is a medieval construction project located in Treigny, France. The object of the project is to build a castle using only the techniques and materials used in the Middle Ages...
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 have the opportunity to observe the ongoing construction and talk to the costumed workers. Additionally, starting in 2011 a collection of medieval siege weapons will be on display. The site is open every day from 10AM to 6PM.