History of Clark County, Arkansas
Introduction to Clark County
Clark County, Arkansas, is one of the oldest counties in the state, established on December 15, 1818, even before Arkansas became a state. Located in the southwestern part of Arkansas, it has a rich history deeply rooted in Native American culture, European exploration, and early American settlement. Clark County played a significant role in the Civil War and Reconstruction and continues to be an essential hub for education, agriculture, and timber. With its scenic landscapes and historical landmarks, the county remains a vital part of Arkansas’s past and present.
County Facts
- Founded: December 15, 1818
- Population (2020): Approximately 21,446
- Area: 883 square miles
- Area Code: 870
- ZIP Codes: 71923, 71929, 71933, 71943, 71950, 71962
- County Seat: Arkadelphia
- Major Cities: Arkadelphia (county seat), Gurdon, Amity
- Famous Landmarks: DeGray Lake Resort State Park, Henderson State University, Ouachita Baptist University, Arkadelphia Confederate Monument
Early History and Indigenous Presence (Pre-1541)
Indigenous Cultures Before European Contact
Long before European settlers arrived in the region, Clark County was home to Native American tribes, including the Caddo. These indigenous people were known for their complex societies, which centered around agriculture, hunting, and trade. The Ouachita River, which runs through the county, was essential for transportation and sustenance. The Caddo were highly skilled at cultivating crops such as corn, beans, and squash and lived in villages supported by a rich cultural tradition.
European Exploration and Territorial Days (1541–1818)
Spanish Exploration by Hernando de Soto (1541)
The first known European to explore the region was Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto in 1541. His expedition, seeking riches and territory, passed through what is now Clark County. De Soto’s journey marked the beginning of European interest in the region, although permanent settlement by Europeans did not occur for many more years.
French Influence and Louisiana Purchase (1682–1803)
In 1682, French explorer Robert de La Salle claimed the Mississippi Valley, including present-day Arkansas, for France. French fur traders and trappers became the first European inhabitants of the area. By the 18th century, the French had established trade routes along the Ouachita River.
The region remained under French control until 1803, when the United States acquired the vast Louisiana Territory, including Arkansas, through the Louisiana Purchase. This event opened the door to American settlement and expansion in the area.
Establishment of Arkansas Territory (1819)
As settlers from the eastern United States began to migrate westward, Arkansas was established as a territory in 1819. Clark County, one of the first counties created in Arkansas, was officially founded a year earlier, in 1818. The county was named after William Clark, the famous explorer of the Lewis and Clark expedition and governor of the Missouri Territory.
Early Settlement and Economic Development (1818–1860)
Early Settlements and Population Growth (1820s–1830s)
During the 1820s and 1830s, Clark County’s population grew steadily as settlers arrived, drawn by the promise of fertile land and the availability of natural resources. Arkadelphia, the county seat, was founded in 1839 along the banks of the Ouachita River, and it soon became a regional center of commerce and trade. Agriculture became the primary economic activity, with cotton emerging as the dominant crop.
Antebellum Economy and Society (1840s–1860)
By the 1840s, Clark County had developed a thriving plantation economy based largely on cotton production. Like much of the southern United States, the county’s economy relied heavily on enslaved African American labor. Large plantations dominated the landscape, but small family farms also played a significant role in the local economy. In addition to cotton, timber became an increasingly important industry, as the dense forests of southwestern Arkansas provided ample resources for logging.
The Civil War and Reconstruction (1861–1877)
Clark County During the Civil War (1861–1865)
When the Civil War erupted in 1861, Clark County, like much of Arkansas, sided with the Confederacy. Many men from the county enlisted in the Confederate Army, and the region was affected by the war’s economic and social disruptions. Clark County saw several military actions during the conflict, including skirmishes near Arkadelphia and the movement of troops through the region.
The Confederate government established a gunpowder factory in Arkadelphia, which became a strategic target for Union forces. However, the war’s most significant impact on the county was the destruction of its economy, particularly its reliance on slavery and cotton.
Reconstruction and Recovery (1865–1877)
The post-war Reconstruction era brought significant changes to Clark County. With the abolition of slavery, the county’s plantation-based economy was left in disarray. Freedmen struggled to find economic opportunities, and sharecropping became a widespread practice as former slaves and poor white farmers worked the land in exchange for a share of the crops.
Reconstruction was also marked by political turmoil and racial tensions. Federal troops were stationed in Arkansas to enforce the new laws aimed at integrating formerly enslaved individuals into society, but the transition was far from smooth.
Growth, Education, and Economic Diversification (1877–1945)
The Timber Boom and Railroad Expansion (1880s–1900s)
Following Reconstruction, Clark County began to diversify its economy. Timber became one of the county’s primary industries, taking advantage of the extensive forests in the area. The arrival of railroads in the late 19th century further fueled economic growth, making it easier to transport timber and other goods to markets outside the region.
The Gurdon Lumber Company, founded in the late 1800s, became one of the largest employers in the area, and the town of Gurdon grew rapidly as a result. Railroads also helped increase the population, bringing new settlers to the area and creating jobs in the transportation and timber sectors.
Founding of Henderson State University and Ouachita Baptist University (1890s)
In the late 19th century, Clark County became an important center for higher education. In 1890, the county witnessed the founding of Henderson State University, originally established as Arkadelphia Methodist College. The school has since evolved into a respected public university.
In 1886, Ouachita Baptist University was also established in Arkadelphia. This private, Christian institution quickly became an important educational and cultural hub for the county. Both universities continue to play vital roles in the local economy and community.
The Great Depression and New Deal Programs (1930s)
Like the rest of the nation, Clark County was hit hard by the Great Depression of the 1930s. Agricultural prices plummeted, and unemployment soared. However, New Deal programs implemented by President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s administration provided some relief. Public works projects, including the construction of DeGray Lake and various infrastructure improvements, created jobs and helped revitalize the county’s economy.
Post-World War II Period and Modernization (1945–Present)
Post-War Growth and Industrialization (1945–1960s)
The post-World War II era saw significant growth in Clark County. The timber industry continued to thrive, but the economy also began to diversify with the establishment of manufacturing facilities. The completion of DeGray Lake and the associated resort state park in the 1970s brought tourism to the region, creating a new source of revenue.
Education remained a critical component of the county’s development, with both Henderson State University and Ouachita Baptist University expanding their campuses and academic programs. The presence of these institutions attracted students from across the state and country, contributing to the local economy.
Civil Rights and Social Change (1950s–1970s)
The Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s had a profound impact on Clark County. The African American population of the county, which had long faced segregation and discrimination, began to organize for equal rights in education, employment, and public life. Schools in the county were desegregated in the 1960s, though the process was often met with resistance.
Arkadelphia played a significant role in this period of social change, as local leaders worked to ensure that the transition to integration was as peaceful as possible. Despite challenges, the county gradually embraced civil rights reforms, paving the way for a more equitable society.
Key Historical Landmarks in Clark County
DeGray Lake Resort State Park
- Established: 1974
- Location: On DeGray Lake, near Arkadelphia
- DeGray Lake Resort State Park is one of Arkansas’s premier outdoor recreation destinations, offering fishing, boating, hiking, and camping. The lake itself was created by the construction of DeGray Dam on the Caddo River and is an essential part of the county’s tourism industry.
Henderson State University
- Established: 1890
- Location: Arkadelphia
- Originally founded as a Methodist college, Henderson State University has grown into a prominent public institution offering a wide range of academic programs. The university is a key part of Clark County’s identity and economy.
Ouachita Baptist University
- Established: 1886
- Location: Arkadelphia
- Ouachita Baptist University is a private Christian university that has been a cornerstone of higher education in Clark County for over a century. Its campus features historic buildings and a vibrant student body.
Arkadelphia Confederate Monument
- Built: 1911
- Location: Courthouse Square, Arkadelphia
- The Arkadelphia Confederate Monument is a memorial to the Confederate soldiers from Clark County who served during the Civil War. It remains a symbol of the county’s deep historical ties to the Civil War and its aftermath.
