City of Little Rock 311

Gillam Park

History

The developed portion of Gillam Park occupies 34 acres of land at the foot of Granite Mountain in southeastern Little Rock. The park lies within a densely-wooded, 475 acre tract of city-owned property which is presently maintained in its natural state. The land which comprises Gillam Park was purchased with a bond issue in 1937. In 1940, the WPA built a picnic pavilion, but access to it remained difficult until 1948 when major road improvements were made. A second bond issue was passed in 1949 for park improvements including the construction of a swimming pool. During the 1950’s, 1960’s, and 1970’s, further improvements were made. The park was named after I.T. Gillam Sr., a Little Rock citizen who was born a slave and who served with the 54th Regiment for Black Soldiers during the Civil War. Following the war, I.T. Gillam began a long and successful career as a Pulaski County politician.

 

 Pavilion