Caddo Gap is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Montgomery County, Arkansas, United States. It lies between Glenwood and Norman, on the Caddo River. It was first listed as a CDP in the 2020 census with a population of 39.

History

It is best known as the area in which explorer Hernando de Soto and his forces clashed with the Native American Tula tribe in 1541, a band loosely affiliated with the Caddo Confederacy. The expedition described the Tula Indians as the fiercest they had faced during their inward journey into North America. After this, the expedition turned back east, making it as far as the Mississippi River, where de Soto died. It is contested as to whether he died of fever, or from a wound received during the fighting. There the expedition had a secret burial ceremony and sent his body into the river. A monument to this event stands in the heart of the small community.

Flood

During the night of June 10–11, 2010, a flash flood along Little Missouri River killed at least 20 people in the campgrounds of the Albert Pike Recreation Area near Caddo Gap. In a matter of less than four hours water rose from 3 ft to over 23 ft.

Education

Caddo Gap is in the Caddo Hills School District.

Demographics

2020 census

Notable people