In 1964, the Beatles unexpectedly passed through Walnut Ridge after performing in Dallas on Friday evening, Sept. 18th, as they traveled to a weekend vacation at Pigman Ranch near Alton, Missouri. Reed Pigman, Sr., who owned the ranch and operated the charter airline they used, arranged for them to land secretly at Walnut Ridge because its airport was the closest one able to handle such a large plane, but news spread quickly through town. Three local teenagers who went to investigate the late-night arrival discovered John, Paul, Ringo, and George walking from the plane, and by Sunday morning, Sept. 20th, several hundred people had gathered at the airport. When the Beatles returned, John and Ringo came in a small plane while Paul and George arrived in a GMC Suburban from Pigman Ranch, and they shook a few hands and signed autographs before taking their seats for the flight to New York City to conclude their first American tour. Though brief, the surprise stop became a lasting memory for the Walnut Ridge community.