Over the years, Gilbert has gained a reputation (along with Calico Rock) as one of the coldest locations in Arkansas.

The M&NA began at Seligman, Missouri and rambled for 303 tortuous miles to Helena, Arkansas on the Mississippi River.

During the early 1920s, Reverend John Battenfield and his followers migrated into Gilbert and aspired to create a self-sufficient community to survive the return of the Messiah.

They built a church and erected a sturdy building of smooth brown stones that was the print shop for their weekly newspaper, the Kingdom Harbinger.

Gilbert Cemetery, for those who didn't make it for the anticipated Rapture, was founded in 1920 at the top of the hill on Frost Street.

As the town grew, it boasted four stores, two hotels, an Eagle Pencil Company mill, several sawmills and three doctors.

1923 passed without the appearance of the Messiah, and in 1925 Reverend Battenfield and his family left Gilbert to look for another location.

[4] According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 0.8 km2 (0.31 sq mi).

The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters.