ELK RANCH, Ark. -- A small community is fighting a big battle to keep a local landmark.

Elk Ranch is a village of about 25 people, and their entire population is trying to save an old cabin. However, the state might have to invoke eminent domain to take over the land where the cabin sits.

The highway department needs to build a new bridge in the village, but to build that bridge to the future, they'll have to tear down a piece of the past.

The old Skelton farm holds a lot of memories for Norman Camp.

"My ancestors lived here," he said.

The 'old home place' is the most recognized place in town.

"Family history has them here in the 1820s," Camp said.

It's the final resting place for many of his relatives. However, if the state has its way, the burial site, the cabin and the history will be a thing of the past.

"We're gonna lose it all," he said.

The department has made an offer to buy the land, but for the Camp family, it's about more than finances.

"Elk Ranch will basically be gone," Camp said.

State officials said they might be forced to use eminent domain to take over the land. However, the Camps said they won't give up the only piece of their past that's left.

People who live in Elk Ranch want the state to repair the current bridge. However, highway officials said they can't do that because it doesn't fit in with their design plan.

The project is expected to start in 2006.