History of Arkansas County, Arkansas

Arkansas County is one of the oldest counties in the state of Arkansas, founded in 1813. Located in the southeastern part of the state, Arkansas County has a deep historical significance, having been part of the Louisiana Territory and later integral to the formation of the state of Arkansas. The county’s history is intertwined with the development of early settlements, the Civil War, and its rich agricultural heritage, particularly in cotton farming and rice production. Over the years, Arkansas County has grown into an area that blends agricultural tradition with a significant role in the state’s cultural and political life.

Origins and Early History

Native American Presence and Early Exploration

Before European settlers arrived, the land that would become Arkansas County was inhabited by indigenous peoples, including the Quapaw, Osage, and Caddo tribes. These tribes used the region’s fertile soil and abundant waterways for hunting, fishing, and farming. The Arkansas River, which flows along the county’s northern border, was a vital resource for the native tribes who thrived in the area.

The first European explorers arrived in the region in the early 1700s, when French explorers such as Henri de Tonti and Jean-Baptiste Bénard de la Harpe came down the Mississippi River and into the Arkansas River. The French laid claim to the land as part of their larger Louisiana Territory. However, it wasn’t until the early 19th century that American settlers began to establish permanent settlements in what would become Arkansas County.

Formation of Arkansas County

Arkansas County was officially established in 1813 when the land was separated from the larger Mississippi County. It was originally part of the Louisiana Territory and later became part of the Arkansas Territory when Arkansas was ceded to the United States following the Louisiana Purchase of 1803. The county was named after the Arkansas River, which served as a major transportation route for settlers and goods.

In the early years, the region’s growth was driven by farming and agriculture, particularly with the introduction of cotton farming and the use of enslaved labor. The fertile soil and warm climate made Arkansas County an ideal location for cotton production, which dominated the local economy for many years.

Key Historical Events

The Civil War

Like much of the South, Arkansas County played a significant role in the American Civil War. The region was a key battleground between Union and Confederate forces, with several skirmishes and military actions taking place in and around the county. In 1862, Confederate troops under the command of General John S. Marmaduke fought against Union forces at St. Charles in an effort to control the vital riverways. Though Arkansas was a Confederate state, Union sympathizers were present in parts of the county, and the war left a lasting impact on the area.

The Arkansas Post area, located in the eastern part of Arkansas County, was a critical site during the Civil War. The Battle of Arkansas Post, fought in January 1863, was a Union victory that marked the beginning of the end for Confederate control in the Mississippi River Valley. The Union victory at Arkansas Post further weakened Confederate control over the region, and the area became an important strategic location for Union forces.

Post-Civil War and Reconstruction

After the Civil War, Arkansas County, like much of the South, struggled to rebuild its economy and society during the period of Reconstruction. Many plantations were abandoned or destroyed, and the agricultural economy was severely disrupted. However, as the cotton economy slowly recovered, the county continued to rely on agriculture, with rice farming and cotton production becoming the dominant industries in the region. The introduction of mechanized farming equipment in the late 19th century helped improve agricultural productivity.

The Rise of the Rice Industry

In the early 20th century, Arkansas County played a major role in the rise of rice farming in Arkansas. The wetland areas along the Arkansas River were ideal for rice cultivation, and the development of irrigation systems in the early 1900s led to an explosion in rice production. Today, Arkansas County is one of the largest rice-producing regions in the United States, and rice farming remains a cornerstone of the local economy.

Historical Sites

Arkansas Post National Memorial

Overview
The Arkansas Post National Memorial preserves the site of the first permanent European settlement in Arkansas. The area was first settled by the French in 1686, and it later became an important military site during the American Revolution and Civil War. The memorial includes a visitor center with exhibits, walking trails, and historical markers that interpret the significance of the site. The Battle of Arkansas Post also took place at this location in 1863.

Location
Arkansas Post National Memorial, 1741 Old Post Rd, Gillett, Arkansas.

Ticket Price
Free entry to the park.

Parking Information
Ample parking is available at the visitor center and around the memorial grounds.

St. Charles Historical Area

Overview
The St. Charles Historical Area commemorates the site of the Civil War Battle of St. Charles that took place in 1862. The battle was part of a Confederate effort to prevent Union forces from gaining control of the Mississippi River. The area is home to a historical marker that explains the events surrounding the battle, and visitors can explore the historical sites in and around St. Charles.

Location
St. Charles Historical Area, St. Charles, Arkansas.

Ticket Price
Free entry.

Parking Information
Free parking is available at the site, and visitors can explore the historical markers and surrounding area.

Stuttgart Museum of the Arkansas Grand Prairie

Overview
The Stuttgart Museum of the Arkansas Grand Prairie highlights the history of the region’s agricultural heritage, particularly its rice farming history. The museum features exhibits on early farming techniques, the development of rice irrigation, and the region’s growth into a major agricultural hub. Visitors can learn about the cultural and economic importance of rice production in Arkansas County and the broader Grand Prairie region.

Location
Stuttgart Museum of the Arkansas Grand Prairie, 1200 S. Main St., Stuttgart, Arkansas.

Ticket Price
Adults: $5, Children (under 12): $2.

Parking Information
Parking is available in the museum parking lot.

County Facts

Geography and Climate

Arkansas County is located in the southeastern corner of Arkansas, bordered by the Arkansas River to the north. The county is characterized by its flat, fertile soil, which has made it one of the leading agricultural regions in the state. The land is particularly well-suited for rice farming, with extensive irrigation systems that help support the crops. In addition to farming, the county has many natural areas and wetlands that provide habitats for wildlife, particularly waterfowl.

The climate in Arkansas County is classified as humid subtropical, with hot summers and mild winters. Average summer temperatures often exceed 90°F (32°C), while winter temperatures typically range from 30°F to 50°F (0°C to 10°C). The county receives an average annual rainfall of 50 inches, with thunderstorms common during the spring and summer months.

Key County Facts

• Year Founded: 1813
• County Seat: DeWitt
• Population: Approximately 18,000
• Population Density: 18.8 people per square mile
• Largest Cities: Stuttgart, DeWitt, Gillett
• Major Highways: U.S. Highway 165, U.S. Highway 79, Arkansas Highway 1
• Adjacent Counties:
  • To the north: Lonoke County
  • To the east: Mississippi County
  • To the south: Jefferson County
  • To the west: Lincoln County