History of Franklin County, Arkansas
Introduction to Franklin County
Franklin County, Arkansas, was established on December 19, 1837. Located in the northwestern part of the state, the county is named after Benjamin Franklin, one of America’s Founding Fathers. Divided by the Arkansas River, Franklin County is unique in having two county seats, Ozark and Charleston, a reflection of its geographical and historical split. Known for its agricultural roots and scenic landscapes, Franklin County has evolved through various economic and social changes over the centuries, from its early days of settlement to its role in the Civil War and subsequent industrial growth.
County Facts
- Founded: December 19, 1837
- Population (2020): Approximately 17,521
- Area: 620 square miles
- Area Codes: 479
- ZIP Codes: 72927, 72930, 72933, 72949
- County Seat: Ozark (north of the Arkansas River), Charleston (south of the Arkansas River)
- Major Cities: Ozark, Charleston, Altus, Branch
- Famous Landmarks: Ozark National Forest, Mount Magazine, Wiederkehr Wine Cellars, Pig Trail Scenic Byway
Pre-Settlement History and Native American Presence (Pre-1800s)
Indigenous Peoples Before European Contact
Long before European settlers arrived, the region that is now Franklin County was inhabited by Native American tribes, most notably the Osage and Caddo. These tribes lived in the Ozark Highlands, utilizing the natural resources of the region for hunting, fishing, and farming. The Osage in particular were known for their hunting expeditions into the area, while the Caddo built more permanent settlements along the rivers.
These indigenous groups were skilled in agriculture, cultivating crops such as corn, beans, and squash. Their presence in the area lasted for centuries, leaving behind traces of their culture through artifacts and burial mounds.
European Exploration and Settlement (1541–1837)
Early European Exploration (1541–1803)
The first known European explorer to travel through the region was Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto in 1541. While his expedition passed through what would later become Arkansas, it did not lead to permanent European settlements in Franklin County. Later, in the 17th century, French explorers, including Robert de La Salle, claimed the Mississippi Valley, which included present-day Arkansas, for France.
French fur trappers and traders frequently passed through the area, utilizing the Arkansas River as a major transportation route. However, the region remained largely unsettled by Europeans until after the Louisiana Purchase in 1803.
American Settlement After the Louisiana Purchase (1803–1837)
Following the Louisiana Purchase, which transferred control of the region from France to the United States, settlers began moving into the Arkansas River Valley. The area’s rich farmland, abundant timber, and access to the river attracted early pioneers. By the 1820s and 1830s, settlers from the eastern United States, particularly from Tennessee, Kentucky, and Virginia, began establishing small farms in what would become Franklin County.
As the population grew, there was a need for local governance and infrastructure. In 1837, Franklin County was officially formed by the Arkansas Territorial Legislature, carved out of parts of Crawford County.
Antebellum Growth and Economic Development (1837–1861)
Agricultural Economy and Settlement (1837–1860)
In the decades following its establishment, Franklin County’s economy became centered around agriculture. The county’s fertile soil, particularly in the Arkansas River Valley, made it ideal for growing crops such as corn, wheat, and cotton. Small family farms dotted the landscape, and the timber industry also became an important economic driver, with logging operations supplying lumber to the growing settlements.
The Arkansas River was crucial for trade and transportation, allowing farmers to ship their crops to markets in larger cities like Little Rock and New Orleans. By the mid-19th century, the population of Franklin County had grown steadily, with the towns of Ozark and Charleston emerging as important commercial centers.
Infrastructure and Road Development
As the population of Franklin County grew, so did the need for improved infrastructure. Roads were built to connect the county’s farms and towns with the Arkansas River, facilitating trade and transportation. The county’s position along key routes made it a vital point of access between eastern and western Arkansas.
The Civil War and Reconstruction (1861–1877)
Franklin County During the Civil War (1861–1865)
When the Civil War broke out in 1861, Franklin County, like much of Arkansas, sided with the Confederacy. Many men from the county enlisted in the Confederate Army, and the region became a battleground as Union and Confederate forces clashed over control of the Arkansas River. Franklin County’s location along this strategic waterway made it an important target for both sides.
Several skirmishes and raids took place in and around Franklin County during the war, and the conflict brought significant economic disruption. Farms were abandoned, and infrastructure was damaged. The war also led to social upheaval, as families were divided by differing loyalties to the Union and the Confederacy.
Reconstruction and Economic Recovery (1865–1877)
The period following the Civil War was a time of hardship for Franklin County. The abolition of slavery meant that the agricultural economy had to adapt to new labor systems, with many former enslaved individuals becoming sharecroppers or tenant farmers. The destruction of farms and infrastructure during the war left the county struggling to recover.
Reconstruction policies aimed at rebuilding the South were met with resistance, and racial tensions ran high in the county as African Americans sought to assert their newfound rights. Despite these challenges, Franklin County gradually rebuilt its economy, focusing on agriculture and timber once again.
Post-Reconstruction Growth and the Railroad Era (1877–1920s)
The Arrival of the Railroad (1880s)
One of the most significant developments in Franklin County’s history came with the arrival of the railroad in the 1880s. The construction of rail lines through the county, including the Kansas City Southern Railway and the Frisco Railway, transformed the local economy by providing new transportation routes for goods and people. Farmers and timber producers could now easily ship their products to markets across the country.
The town of Altus, in particular, grew as a result of the railroad, becoming a key shipping point for the county’s agricultural and timber industries. The railroad also brought new settlers to the area, contributing to the population growth and economic development.
The Rise of the Wine Industry
During the late 19th century, Franklin County became known for its wine production. Immigrants from Europe, particularly from Germany and Switzerland, brought with them a tradition of winemaking. The town of Altus became the center of the county’s wine industry, with vineyards and wineries thriving in the area’s temperate climate and fertile soil.
Wiederkehr Wine Cellars, established in 1880, is one of the oldest wineries in the region and remains in operation today. The success of the wine industry added another dimension to Franklin County’s economy and helped the region gain a reputation for quality wine production.
The Great Depression and World War II (1930s–1940s)
The Impact of the Great Depression (1930s)
The Great Depression of the 1930s brought economic hardship to Franklin County, as it did across the United States. 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 during the economic downturn.
The federal government’s New Deal programs provided some relief to Franklin County. Public works projects, such as the construction of roads, bridges, and public buildings, created jobs for local residents and improved the county’s infrastructure. These efforts helped to mitigate the worst effects of the Depression and laid the groundwork for future growth.
World War II and Economic Recovery (1941–1945)
The onset of World War II brought new economic opportunities to Franklin County. The demand for agricultural products and timber increased as the U.S. government ramped up production for the war effort. Many men from the county enlisted in the military, and women took on new roles in factories and other industries to support the war.
After the war, Franklin County saw renewed economic growth, with both agriculture and industry recovering from the hardships of the 1930s. The construction of new roads and highways further connected Franklin County to regional and national markets, spurring post-war development.
Post-War Growth and Modernization (1950s–Present)
Industrial Development and Economic Diversification (1950s–1990s)
In the decades following World War II, Franklin County experienced significant growth and modernization. The county’s economy became more diversified, with the development of manufacturing, education, and healthcare sectors. Agriculture and timber continued to play important roles, but new industries, including food processing and small-scale manufacturing, emerged.
The county’s towns, particularly Ozark and Charleston, grew as regional centers for commerce and services. Schools, hospitals, and businesses expanded to meet the needs of the growing population. The construction of Interstate 40, which runs through the northern part of the county, further facilitated economic development by improving transportation and access to markets.
Tourism and Natural Resources
Franklin County’s natural beauty, including the Ozark National Forest and the Pig Trail Scenic Byway, has made it a popular destination for tourists. Outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and fishing attract visitors to the region, contributing to the local economy.
The wine industry, centered in Altus, continues to thrive, with local wineries drawing tourists from across the state and beyond. The county’s historic landmarks, such as Mount Magazine and Wiederkehr Wine Cellars, have also become popular attractions.
Key Historical Landmarks in Franklin County
Ozark National Forest
- Established: 1908
- Location: Northwestern Arkansas, including Franklin County
- The Ozark National Forest offers recreational opportunities such as hiking, camping, and fishing. It is a key feature of Franklin County’s natural landscape.
Wiederkehr Wine Cellars
- Established: 1880
- Location: Altus
- One of the oldest wineries in Arkansas, Wiederkehr Wine Cellars is a historic landmark that continues to produce wine and attract tourists.
Mount Magazine
- Location: Near Paris, Franklin County
- Mount Magazine, the highest point in Arkansas, offers breathtaking views and outdoor activities. It is part of the Mount Magazine State Park, which attracts nature lovers and adventurers.
Pig Trail Scenic Byway
- Location: Franklin County
- This scenic byway winds through the Ozark National Forest and is known for its stunning views, especially during the fall foliage season. It is a popular route for tourists and motorcyclists.
