History of Arkansas County, Arkansas
Introduction to Arkansas County
Arkansas County, Arkansas, holds the distinction of being the first and oldest county in the state. Established in 1813, it is located in the southeastern portion of Arkansas and is bordered by the Arkansas River. The county is home to a rich blend of cultures, histories, and landscapes. Its heritage is deeply rooted in the Mississippi Delta, where Native Americans, European settlers, and African Americans shaped its development. Today, Arkansas County remains a vital part of the state, retaining its agricultural importance while preserving its historical landmarks.
Arkansas County Facts
- Founded: December 13, 1813
- Population: Approximately 17,149 (as of 2020 census)
- Area: 1,033 square miles
- Area Codes: 870
- ZIP Codes: 72029, 72042, 72055, 72057, 72140, 72160, 72166
- County Seat: Dual seats: DeWitt (Southern District) and Stuttgart (Northern District)
- Major Cities: Stuttgart, DeWitt, Gillett, Humphrey
- Famous Landmarks:
- Stuttgart Agricultural Museum
- Arkansas Post National Memorial
- Bayou Meto Wildlife Management Area
- White River National Wildlife Refuge
Early History of Arkansas County (Before 1700)
Native American Presence
Long before European exploration, Arkansas County was home to indigenous tribes, including the Quapaw people. The region was part of their expansive territory, centered around the Mississippi and Arkansas rivers. They lived in large, organized villages and had a rich culture based on hunting, fishing, and agriculture. The name “Arkansas” itself is derived from the French interpretation of a Quapaw word, “akakaze,” meaning “land of the downstream people.”
European Exploration and Colonization (1700–1800)
1700s: French Exploration
In the early 18th century, Arkansas County became one of the first areas of the state to see European exploration. French explorers, including Father Jacques Marquette and Louis Joliet, ventured into the region as early as 1673. In 1686, French explorer Henri de Tonti established Arkansas Post, the first European settlement west of the Mississippi River, marking the beginning of Arkansas County’s colonial history.
Arkansas Post quickly became a center for trade between the French and the Quapaw people, facilitating fur trading and acting as a military post for the French empire.
1763: Transition to Spanish Control
Following the Seven Years’ War in 1763, Arkansas Post, along with the rest of French Louisiana, was ceded to Spain. Although the Spanish maintained control over the post, French culture and influence remained dominant in the area, and French-speaking settlers continued to arrive.
1798: The Return of French Control
Spain returned the Louisiana Territory, including Arkansas Post, to France in 1798. This brief French possession was significant because it set the stage for the Louisiana Purchase, which would soon transform the entire region.
Territorial Period and Early Settlement (1800–1840)
1803: The Louisiana Purchase
In 1803, the United States acquired the Louisiana Territory from France through the Louisiana Purchase. This transaction made Arkansas Post, and what is now Arkansas County, part of the expanding United States. Arkansas Post continued to serve as a key military and trade center, and American settlers began to move into the region.
1813: Establishment of Arkansas County
On December 13, 1813, Arkansas County was formally established as one of the five original counties of the Arkansas Territory. The county was named after the Arkansas River, which flows through the area. Arkansas Post served as the county seat, making it the first seat of government in the region. During this period, settlers were primarily engaged in agriculture and river trade.
1821: Relocation of the Territorial Capital
In 1821, the territorial capital was moved from Arkansas Post to Little Rock, marking a decline in the significance of the post as the center of political power. However, Arkansas County continued to grow in population and importance due to its fertile land and proximity to major waterways.
1836: Statehood and Agricultural Growth
Arkansas became the 25th state of the Union on June 15, 1836. By this time, Arkansas County had established itself as an agricultural powerhouse. Cotton plantations flourished due to the county’s rich alluvial soil, and enslaved African Americans played a crucial role in the county’s economy.
Civil War and Reconstruction (1860–1870)
1861: Arkansas in the Civil War
Arkansas County, like much of the South, was deeply impacted by the Civil War. After Arkansas seceded from the Union in 1861, the county became involved in the Confederate war effort. While no major battles occurred within Arkansas County, the region experienced skirmishes, and the war disrupted the local economy.
1863: The Battle of Arkansas Post
One significant event during the Civil War was the Battle of Arkansas Post, which took place in January 1863. Union forces, seeking to control the Mississippi River and cut off Confederate supply lines, attacked the Confederate stronghold at Arkansas Post. After intense fighting, the Confederates surrendered, leading to Union control of the area.
1865-1870: Reconstruction in Arkansas County
The post-war period was marked by significant upheaval in Arkansas County. Reconstruction efforts included attempts to rebuild the local economy, which had been devastated by the war. Formerly enslaved people sought new opportunities, and the county underwent significant changes in labor patterns. The federal government established military rule in the South, and Arkansas County was no exception.
Late 19th Century Development (1870–1900)
1873: The Rise of DeWitt and Stuttgart
After the Civil War, agriculture continued to be the backbone of Arkansas County’s economy, with cotton remaining the dominant crop. In 1873, DeWitt was established as the county seat for the southern district of the county, while Stuttgart emerged as a growing agricultural town in the northern part of the county.
1880s: Rice Farming Revolution
In the late 19th century, Arkansas County became a center of innovation in rice farming. Stuttgart, in particular, saw rapid growth due to the introduction of rice farming, which would go on to define the region’s agricultural identity for decades. The county’s proximity to abundant water sources made it ideal for rice cultivation, leading to a boom in rice production.
20th Century Growth and Transformation (1900–2000)
1900–1930: Agricultural Expansion
The early 20th century saw Arkansas County continue its agricultural expansion, with rice farming becoming a dominant industry. The introduction of mechanization in farming practices helped boost production, and the county became one of the nation’s leading rice producers.
1930s: The Great Depression and Its Effects
The Great Depression had a severe impact on Arkansas County, as it did across the country. Farmers faced falling crop prices and economic hardship, leading to increased migration out of rural areas. However, New Deal programs, such as the establishment of the Arkansas Post National Memorial in 1960, provided some relief through job creation and infrastructure improvements.
1940s: World War II and Economic Changes
During World War II, Arkansas County played a significant role in supporting the war effort through its agricultural production. The demand for rice and other crops surged, and the county saw some economic recovery. However, the post-war period also marked the beginning of significant changes in the county’s demographics, with many residents leaving rural farming communities for urban areas.
1950–1980: Industrialization and Modernization
The mid-20th century was a period of transition for Arkansas County. While agriculture remained important, the county began to diversify its economy. Stuttgart, in particular, developed into a hub for agricultural equipment manufacturing and distribution. The establishment of the annual World’s Championship Duck Calling Contest in Stuttgart further cemented the county’s status as a center of outdoor recreation and tourism.
Recent History and Contemporary Arkansas County (2000–Present)
2000–2020: Agricultural Sustainability and Conservation Efforts
In the early 21st century, Arkansas County continued to thrive as an agricultural center, with rice and soybean farming as the dominant industries. Conservation efforts, particularly in the county’s extensive wildlife management areas, gained prominence as environmental concerns grew. The Bayou Meto and White River National Wildlife Refuge became important landmarks for both conservation and recreation.
Economic Challenges and Population Decline
Like many rural counties in the United States, Arkansas County has faced economic challenges in recent decades. The decline of small family farms, the rise of agribusiness, and population outmigration have all impacted the county. While Stuttgart remains a vibrant agricultural and industrial center, other parts of the county have seen decreases in population.
2020-Present: Arkansas County Today
Arkansas County today remains a vital part of Arkansas’ agricultural sector, particularly in rice production. With rich historical roots and a continued focus on both farming and conservation, the county has managed to retain its importance despite the challenges of modern rural life. Major landmarks like the Arkansas Post National Memorial, as well as the county’s hunting and wildlife areas, attract visitors and preserve the county’s rich history and natural beauty.
