History of Drew County, Arkansas
Introduction to Drew County
Drew County, located in southeastern Arkansas, was established on November 26, 1846. Named after Thomas S. Drew, the third governor of Arkansas, the county has a rich history tied to agriculture, timber, and education. Drew County grew rapidly in the 19th century as settlers moved to take advantage of the fertile lands and vast forests. The county seat, Monticello, has become an educational and cultural center in the region, home to the University of Arkansas at Monticello. Today, Drew County remains a vital part of Arkansas’s agricultural and educational landscapes.
County Facts
- Founded: November 26, 1846
- Population (2020): Approximately 17,057
- Area: 836 square miles
- Area Code: 870
- ZIP Codes: 71655, 71656, 71658
- County Seat: Monticello
- Major Cities: Monticello, Wilmar
- Famous Landmarks: University of Arkansas at Monticello, Drew County Courthouse, Turner Neal Museum of Natural History
Pre-European Settlement and Native American History (Pre-1830s)
Indigenous Peoples Before European Contact
Before European settlers arrived in what is now Drew County, the region was inhabited by Native American tribes, most notably the Quapaw. These indigenous peoples lived along the rivers and utilized the fertile soil and abundant wildlife for agriculture, hunting, and fishing. They grew crops such as maize, beans, and squash, and their communities were typically located near major waterways, which served as transportation routes.
Although the Quapaw and other tribes had lived in the area for centuries, they were gradually displaced by European settlers, who brought new diseases and claimed land for agriculture. By the time Arkansas was established as a U.S. territory, most of the native populations had been forced to move west.
European Exploration and Settlement (1541–1846)
Spanish and French Influence (1541–1803)
In 1541, Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto became the first known European to explore the region, including parts of southeastern Arkansas. While de Soto’s expedition did not lead to immediate settlement, it opened the door to later European exploration. By the late 17th century, French explorers, including Robert de La Salle, claimed the Mississippi Valley, including modern-day Arkansas, for France. French fur trappers and traders traveled through the area, establishing trade with local Native American tribes.
In 1803, the Louisiana Purchase transferred control of the vast territory, including present-day Arkansas, to the United States. This marked the beginning of American settlement and exploration in the region.
Territorial Arkansas and Early Settlement (1803–1836)
After the Louisiana Purchase, settlers began moving into Arkansas, drawn by the promise of fertile farmland and abundant natural resources. Southeastern Arkansas, including the area that would become Drew County, was slowly populated by pioneers who established small farms and homesteads. The region’s dense forests and rich soil made it attractive for agriculture, particularly cotton and timber production.
Arkansas became a U.S. territory in 1819 and gained statehood in 1836. However, Drew County was not officially established until a decade later, in 1846.
The Founding of Drew County (1846)
On November 26, 1846, Drew County was formed by the Arkansas General Assembly from parts of Bradley and Ashley counties. The county was named after Thomas S. Drew, Arkansas’s third governor, who had been instrumental in promoting the development of the state’s southeastern region. The county seat was established in Monticello, which quickly grew as a center for trade, government, and education.
Antebellum Drew County and Agricultural Growth (1846–1860)
The Rise of the Cotton Economy (1840s–1860s)
In the years following its establishment, Drew County experienced rapid growth, largely due to the rise of cotton as the dominant crop. The county’s fertile land, part of the Mississippi Alluvial Plain, was ideally suited for growing cotton, and plantations began to flourish throughout the region. Like much of the South, Drew County’s agricultural economy was built on the labor of enslaved African Americans, who worked the cotton fields and contributed to the county’s prosperity.
Monticello, as the county seat, became the commercial and social center of Drew County, with stores, churches, schools, and other institutions springing up to serve the growing population.
Early Infrastructure Development
As Drew County’s population increased, so did the need for improved infrastructure. Roads were built to connect the county’s farms and plantations to Monticello and other nearby towns. This allowed for the easier transportation of cotton and other agricultural products to markets, particularly the Mississippi River, which was a major transportation artery for the region.
The Civil War and Reconstruction (1861–1877)
Drew County During the Civil War (1861–1865)
When the Civil War broke out in 1861, Drew County, like much of Arkansas, sided with the Confederacy. Many local men enlisted in the Confederate Army, and the county’s economy, which relied heavily on slavery and cotton production, was deeply affected by the war. While no major battles occurred in Drew County itself, the war brought significant hardship to the region. Farms and plantations were disrupted, infrastructure was damaged, and the labor system collapsed with the abolition of slavery.
In the later stages of the war, Union troops advanced through southeastern Arkansas, further disrupting life in Drew County. The end of the war left the county economically devastated, with much of its agricultural infrastructure in ruins.
Reconstruction and Economic Challenges (1865–1877)
The Reconstruction period that followed the Civil War was a difficult time for Drew County. The abolition of slavery upended the county’s plantation economy, and landowners had to adapt to a new labor system. Sharecropping and tenant farming became common, with freed African Americans and poor white farmers working the land in exchange for a share of the crops.
Reconstruction also brought political and social changes to Drew County. Freedmen were granted the right to vote, and federal troops were stationed in Arkansas to enforce the new laws. However, racial tensions and economic struggles persisted, and the county’s recovery from the war was slow.
The Timber Boom and the Rise of Industry (1877–1920s)
Timber Industry Growth (1870s–1920s)
In the decades following Reconstruction, Drew County’s economy began to diversify, with timber emerging as a key industry. The county’s vast forests provided an abundant supply of hardwood and pine, which was in high demand for building materials and other uses. Logging operations and sawmills sprang up throughout the region, and timber quickly became one of the county’s most important industries.
The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century further boosted the timber industry by making it easier to transport lumber to markets outside the region. Monticello became a hub for timber production, with sawmills and lumber yards becoming major employers in the county.
Agricultural Changes
While cotton remained an important crop in Drew County, other forms of agriculture also grew during this period. Farmers began to diversify their crops, growing corn, soybeans, and other staples. The rise of mechanization in agriculture, such as the use of tractors and other machinery, allowed for increased productivity, though it also led to the displacement of some tenant farmers and sharecroppers.
The Great Depression and World War II (1930s–1940s)
The Impact of the Great Depression (1930s)
The Great Depression of the 1930s had a profound impact on Drew County, as it did across the country. Agricultural prices plummeted, and many farmers in the county were unable to pay their debts or maintain their farms. The timber industry also suffered, with demand for lumber decreasing due to the economic downturn. Many residents of Drew County faced unemployment and poverty during this period.
New Deal programs implemented by President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s administration helped provide some relief to Drew County. Public works projects, such as the construction of roads, bridges, and schools, created jobs for local residents and improved the county’s infrastructure.
World War II and Economic Recovery (1941–1945)
The onset of World War II brought new economic opportunities to Drew County. The demand for timber and agricultural products increased as the war effort ramped up, and many men from the county enlisted in the military. Women also entered the workforce in greater numbers, taking on jobs in factories and other industries to support the war effort.
The post-war period saw economic recovery, with both the timber and agricultural sectors experiencing renewed growth. The construction of new roads and highways further connected Drew County to regional and national markets.
Post-War Growth and Modernization (1950s–Present)
Educational Development: University of Arkansas at Monticello
One of the most significant developments in Drew County’s history came with the establishment of the University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM), originally founded as the Fourth District Agricultural School in 1909. Over the years, UAM expanded into a full-fledged university, becoming a major educational institution in southeastern Arkansas. The university has played a vital role in the county’s economic and cultural development, attracting students from across the region and offering a range of academic programs.
Today, UAM remains one of the largest employers in Drew County and continues to contribute to the local economy through education, research, and community outreach.
Economic Diversification and Challenges (1950s–Present)
In the latter half of the 20th century, Drew County’s economy continued to evolve. While agriculture and timber remained important industries, the county also saw growth in manufacturing, education, and healthcare. Monticello, as the county seat, developed into a regional center for commerce and services, with new businesses, schools, and hospitals supporting the local population.
Despite these positive developments, Drew County, like many rural areas, has faced challenges in recent decades. Population decline, economic inequality, and the decline of traditional industries have all posed obstacles to growth. However, efforts to diversify the economy and promote tourism, particularly around the county’s natural resources and historical landmarks, have helped to mitigate some of these challenges.
Key Historical Landmarks in Drew County
University of Arkansas at Monticello
- Founded: 1909
- Location: Monticello
- UAM is a key educational institution in southeastern Arkansas, offering a range of undergraduate and graduate programs. The university plays an important role in the local economy and community.
Drew County Courthouse
- Built: 1932
- Location: Monticello
- The Drew County Courthouse is a historic building that serves as the center of government for the county. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is an important symbol of the county’s legal and political history.
Turner Neal Museum of Natural History
- Location: Monticello
- Located on the UAM campus, the Turner Neal Museum of Natural History features exhibits on the natural history and biodiversity of Arkansas, including fossils, minerals, and wildlife displays.
