Cities and Towns in Clay County, Arkansas

Founded on March 24, 1873, Clay County is one of 75 counties in the state of Arkansas. Historically, Clay County was formed from Randolph and Greene counties, and originally named Clayton before 1875. The city of Piggott, Corning is the county seat. With FIPS code of 21, Clay County has a population of 14,350 and area of 641.42 square miles (1,661 km²).

List of all cities in Clay County, AR alphabetically

City/Town Postal Code Area Code
Corning, AR 72422 870
Datto, AR 72424 870
Greenway, AR 72430 870
Knobel, AR 72435 870
Mc Dougal, AR 72441 870
Peach Orchard, AR 72435 870
72453 870
Piggott, AR 72454 870
Pollard, AR 72456 870
Rector, AR 72461 870
Saint Francis, AR 72464 870
Success, AR 72470 870

Major Cities and Towns in Clay County, Arkansas

Piggott

Area, Population, and Coordinates

  • Area: 5.4 square miles
  • Population: 3,738 (as of the last census)
  • ZIP Codes: 72454
  • Latitude and Longitude:
    • Latitude: 36.3834° N
    • Longitude: 90.1915° W

Location and History

Piggott is one of the two county seats of Clay County, located in the northeastern corner of Arkansas. The town was founded in 1882 by James A. Piggott, who moved to the area from Indiana and played a significant role in the town’s development. Piggott quickly grew as a farming community, with agriculture, particularly cotton, being the backbone of its economy. The town gained national attention when it became the second home of the famous author Ernest Hemingway, whose wife, Pauline Pfeiffer, was from Piggott. The Hemingway-Pfeiffer Museum and Educational Center is now a key attraction, preserving the house where Hemingway wrote portions of A Farewell to Arms. Piggott’s history is deeply intertwined with the agricultural development of the region and its role as a cultural hub in Clay County.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Piggott is served by the Piggott School District, which includes Piggott High School, Piggott Junior High, and Piggott Elementary School. The town is home to several notable landmarks, including the Hemingway-Pfeiffer Museum, which attracts visitors interested in literature and history. The Piggott City Park offers recreational facilities, including walking trails, sports fields, and a public pool. The town’s annual events, such as the Heritage Park Festival and the Piggott Christmas Parade, celebrate the community’s heritage and foster a strong sense of local pride. The nearby Crowley’s Ridge, a unique geological formation, provides opportunities for hiking and exploring the natural beauty of the region.

Corning

Area, Population, and Coordinates

  • Area: 3.3 square miles
  • Population: 3,377 (as of the last census)
  • ZIP Codes: 72422
  • Latitude and Longitude:
    • Latitude: 36.4090° N
    • Longitude: 90.5798° W

Location and History

Corning is the other county seat of Clay County, located in the western part of the county near the Missouri border. The town was established in 1873 and named after Erastus Corning, a prominent railroad executive. The arrival of the railroad played a crucial role in Corning’s growth, making it a key transportation hub for the surrounding agricultural areas. Like many towns in Clay County, Corning’s economy has historically been based on agriculture, with cotton, soybeans, and rice being the primary crops. Over the years, Corning has developed into a vibrant community with a rich history and a strong connection to the land.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Corning is served by the Corning School District, which includes Corning High School, Central Middle School, and Park Elementary School. The town is home to several key landmarks, including the Corning Community Center and the Victory Lake, which offers fishing and recreational activities. The Corning Harvest Festival, held annually in October, is a major event that brings the community together to celebrate the town’s agricultural heritage with a parade, live music, and various family-friendly activities. The town’s location near the Black River and the Wappapello Lake provides additional opportunities for outdoor recreation, including fishing, boating, and birdwatching.

Rector

Area, Population, and Coordinates

  • Area: 1.6 square miles
  • Population: 1,977 (as of the last census)
  • ZIP Codes: 72461
  • Latitude and Longitude:
    • Latitude: 36.2623° N
    • Longitude: 90.2915° W

Location and History

Rector is a small town located in the northeastern part of Clay County, Arkansas. The town was founded in the late 19th century and named after Elias Rector, an influential figure in Arkansas politics and a former U.S. Marshal. Rector developed as an agricultural community, with farming being the mainstay of its economy. The town’s location along the railroad made it an important center for shipping agricultural products, particularly cotton. Over time, Rector has maintained its rural charm and close-knit community, with a focus on preserving its agricultural heritage and supporting local businesses.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Rector is served by the Rector School District, which includes Rector High School, Rector Elementary School, and Rector Preschool. The town is home to several local landmarks, including the Rector Community Center and the Rector Memorial Park, which offers recreational facilities such as a playground, picnic areas, and sports fields. The town’s annual Rector Labor Day Picnic is a key event that brings the community together to celebrate its heritage with food, music, and family-friendly activities. The nearby Cache River National Wildlife Refuge provides opportunities for hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing, reflecting the town’s close connection to the natural environment.

Knobel

Area, Population, and Coordinates

  • Area: 0.4 square miles
  • Population: 287 (as of the last census)
  • ZIP Codes: 72435
  • Latitude and Longitude:
    • Latitude: 36.3087° N
    • Longitude: 90.6098° W

Location and History

Knobel is a small town located in the northern part of Clay County, Arkansas. The town was established in the late 19th century as a farming community, with agriculture being the primary economic activity. Knobel’s history is closely tied to the surrounding farmland, with the town serving as a local center for trade and services for the rural population. Despite its small size, Knobel has maintained a strong sense of community and a commitment to preserving its rural character.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Knobel is part of the Corning School District, with students attending schools in nearby Corning. The town’s most notable landmark is the Knobel Cemetery, which reflects the town’s long history and the close-knit nature of its community. The surrounding farmland and nearby Black River offer opportunities for hunting, fishing, and other outdoor activities, reflecting the town’s connection to the natural environment. Knobel’s annual community events, such as the fall festival and holiday celebrations, bring residents together to celebrate the town’s heritage and foster a strong sense of community spirit.

Map of Cities in Clay County, AR

Map of Cities in Clay County, AR