ArkLaTex Sky Watchers formed in 1983. Meetings were held house to house and were based out of Texarkana, Ark. In the beginning of 1990, ArkLaTex Sky Watchers was renamed Red River Astronomy Club. Meetings were held either house to house or at State Parks. In 2000, Red River Astronomy Club signed a 25-year lease for 10 acres located approximately 8 miles west of Nashville, Ark. Construction of Area 52 observatory on the club's property began in the later part of 2000 and was completed in mid-2001. In October 2003 the club purchased a portable building from the Saratoga School District and moved it onto the club property. Many club members worked to remodel the building that is currently the meeting/class room. Red River Astronomy Club exists to perpetuate and enjoy the many aspects of amateur astronomy, promote awareness of our hobby, and inform the public about astronomy. Meetings are held on Saturday nearest to new moon each month.