History of Baxter County, Arkansas

Baxter County, located in northern Arkansas, boasts a rich history shaped by its natural resources, particularly its rivers and forests, and its early settlers. Established in 1873, Baxter County has evolved from a frontier community to a thriving area known for its tourism, outdoor recreation, and rural charm. The construction of the Norfork and Bull Shoals dams in the mid-20th century dramatically changed the county’s economy and brought about significant growth. Today, Baxter County is known for its picturesque landscapes, thriving tourism industry, and outdoor recreational activities centered around its lakes and rivers.

Baxter County Facts

• Founded: March 24, 1873
• Population: Approximately 42,000 (2023 estimate)
• Area: 587 square miles
• Area Codes: 870
• ZIP Codes: 72626–72653
• County Seat: Mountain Home
• Major Cities: Mountain Home, Gassville, Cotter
• Famous Landmarks: Bull Shoals Lake, Norfork Lake, Bull Shoals Dam, Norfork Dam, Big Spring Park, North Fork River, White River

---

Early Settlement and Formation of Baxter County (1800s–1873)

The area now known as Baxter County was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Osage and Quapaw. European-American settlers began arriving in the region in the early 19th century, attracted by its abundant natural resources and fertile land along the rivers. The area was still relatively remote and underdeveloped before Arkansas became a state in 1836.

Native American Presence and Early Exploration (Pre-1800s)

• Prior to European settlement, the area was home to the Osage and Quapaw tribes, who used the region’s rivers and forests for hunting and fishing.
• Early explorers passed through the area, but it remained largely undeveloped until the early 1800s when settlers from Tennessee, Missouri, and Kentucky began moving in, drawn by the availability of land for farming and hunting.

Early Settlers and the Push for County Formation (1830s–1870s)

• By the 1830s, a small number of settlers had established homesteads in the area, living off the land by farming, hunting, and fishing along the White and North Fork rivers. The area remained rural and sparsely populated, with few towns or infrastructure.
• As the population grew, residents petitioned for the creation of a new county. At the time, the area was part of Fulton, Marion, and Izard counties, but the logistical challenges of distance prompted the push for a new county.
• 1873: Baxter County was officially established on March 24, 1873, named after Elisha Baxter, the then-governor of Arkansas.

Civil War and Reconstruction in Baxter County (1860s–1870s)

Like much of Arkansas, Baxter County was deeply affected by the Civil War. Although it was not a major battlefield, the war brought hardship to the region, with raids, skirmishes, and economic decline disrupting the lives of local residents. The post-war Reconstruction era saw efforts to rebuild the economy and infrastructure.

Civil War Impact (1861–1865)

• Baxter County, like many rural areas in Arkansas, was deeply divided during the Civil War, with loyalties split between the Union and the Confederacy. The county saw its share of guerilla warfare, raids, and small skirmishes as both Confederate and Union sympathizers clashed.
• 1862: One of the most notable events during the war was the Battle of Mountain Home, a small skirmish between Confederate forces and local Union sympathizers.
• The war devastated the local economy, with many farms abandoned, livestock lost, and towns struggling to rebuild in the aftermath.

Reconstruction and Recovery (1865–1873)

• In the post-war period, the area slowly began to recover, but economic hardship continued. Agriculture remained the primary industry, with most families farming small plots of land or relying on hunting and fishing.
• As the population grew, infrastructure such as roads and schools began to improve, and Mountain Home emerged as the leading community in the county, eventually becoming the county seat.

Growth of Baxter County: Logging, Railroads, and Agriculture (1880s–1940s)

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Baxter County experienced steady growth. Agriculture, particularly livestock farming and small-scale crop production, remained the backbone of the local economy. Logging also became an important industry as the region’s vast forests were tapped for timber. The arrival of the railroad in the early 1900s spurred further economic development.

Logging and the Timber Industry (1880s–1920s)

• The late 1800s saw the rise of the timber industry in Baxter County. Logging became a significant economic activity, with sawmills established along the rivers to process the vast forests of the Ozarks.
• Timber was transported via the White River, and later by railroads, to markets across Arkansas and beyond. This industry provided jobs for many local residents and helped drive the growth of towns such as Mountain Home and Cotter.

Arrival of the Railroad (1903)

• 1903: The arrival of the Missouri Pacific Railroad in the early 20th century was a turning point for the county’s economy. The town of Cotter became a key railroad hub, providing transportation for timber, agricultural products, and passengers.
• The railroad also contributed to the growth of tourism, as visitors from other parts of the state and country began traveling to Baxter County to experience its natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities.

Agricultural Expansion (1920s–1940s)

• During the 1920s and 1930s, agriculture remained a central part of the county’s economy, with livestock farming and small-scale crop production dominating rural life.
• The region’s small farms produced a variety of crops, but many struggled due to poor soil quality and the difficulties of farming in the hilly terrain of the Ozarks. The Great Depression of the 1930s hit the region hard, with many families facing economic hardship.

The Construction of Norfork and Bull Shoals Dams (1940s–1950s)

The most transformative period in Baxter County’s history came in the mid-20th century with the construction of two large dams: Norfork Dam and Bull Shoals Dam. These projects, undertaken by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, reshaped the landscape, created new lakes, and significantly boosted the county’s economy through tourism and hydroelectric power.

Norfork Dam (1941–1944)

• 1941–1944: The construction of Norfork Dam on the North Fork River was completed during World War II, providing flood control, hydroelectric power, and recreation opportunities. The creation of Norfork Lake transformed the area into a destination for fishing, boating, and other outdoor activities.
• Norfork Dam was one of the first major infrastructure projects in the region and marked the beginning of a new era for Baxter County’s economy.

Bull Shoals Dam (1947–1951)

• 1947–1951: The construction of Bull Shoals Dam on the White River further solidified Baxter County’s role as a hub for tourism and outdoor recreation. The dam created Bull Shoals Lake, one of the largest reservoirs in the United States, attracting thousands of visitors each year for fishing, camping, and water sports.
• Bull Shoals Lake and Dam are key landmarks in Baxter County today, driving both the local economy and the county’s identity as a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Modern Baxter County: Tourism, Growth, and Recreation (1960s–Present)

In the decades following the construction of the Norfork and Bull Shoals dams, Baxter County experienced significant growth, largely driven by the tourism industry. The county became known as a haven for retirees, outdoor enthusiasts, and tourists seeking the beauty of the Ozarks.

Tourism and Recreation (1960s–Present)

• Tourism has become a major industry in Baxter County, with Norfork Lake and Bull Shoals Lake at the heart of the county’s outdoor attractions. Fishing, boating, and hiking are popular activities, drawing visitors from across the country.
• Mountain Home has grown as a tourist and retirement community, offering amenities and services that cater to an aging population as well as tourists. The county’s natural beauty, combined with its lakes and rivers, has made it a desirable location for second homes and vacation properties.

Population Growth and Economic Development (1990s–Present)

• Since the 1990s, Baxter County has seen steady population growth, fueled by an influx of retirees and those seeking a quieter, rural lifestyle. The county’s economy has diversified, with healthcare, education, and small businesses complementing the tourism and outdoor recreation industries.
• The Baxter Regional Medical Center in Mountain Home has become a leading healthcare provider in northern Arkansas, attracting patients from across the region.
• The county’s scenic byways, state parks, and historical sites, such as the Jacob Wolf House, continue to attract visitors and preserve the county’s rich heritage.