History of Hot Spring County, Arkansas
Introduction to Hot Spring County
Hot Spring County, Arkansas, established on November 2, 1829, is located in the west-central part of the state. Named after the hot springs that flow from the nearby Ouachita Mountains, the county has a rich history tied to its natural resources, including timber, minerals, and agriculture. The county seat, Malvern, developed as a center of trade and industry, particularly known for its brick-making industry. Hot Spring County’s strategic location along the Ouachita River and its proximity to major transportation routes have made it an important region for economic growth and development.
County Facts
- Founded: November 2, 1829
- Population (2020): Approximately 33,040
- Area: 622 square miles
- Area Codes: 501, 870
- ZIP Codes: 72104, 72105, 71929, 72128, 72167, 71941, 71929
- County Seat: Malvern
- Major Cities: Malvern, Rockport, Magnet Cove
- Famous Landmarks: Ouachita River, Hot Spring County Courthouse, Lake Catherine State Park, Magnet Cove
Pre-European Settlement and Native American Presence (Pre-1800s)
Indigenous Peoples Before European Contact
Before European settlers arrived in what is now Hot Spring County, the area was inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Caddo and Quapaw. These tribes relied on the abundant natural resources of the Ouachita River Valley for their sustenance, using the river for transportation, fishing, and agriculture. They also utilized the mineral-rich hot springs, which were considered sacred and believed to have healing properties.
The indigenous populations in the area lived in semi-permanent villages and engaged in farming, growing crops like maize, beans, and squash. Evidence of their presence can still be found in the form of artifacts, such as pottery, arrowheads, and burial mounds.
European Exploration and Early Settlement (1541–1829)
Spanish and French Exploration (1541–1803)
The first European to explore the area that would later become Hot Spring County was Hernando de Soto, a Spanish explorer who traveled through the region in 1541. Although de Soto’s expedition did not lead to permanent settlements, it marked the beginning of European interest in the area. By the late 17th century, French explorers, including René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, claimed the region for France as part of the Louisiana Territory.
French fur traders traveled the Ouachita River and established relationships with Native American tribes, trading goods and influencing the culture of the region. The hot springs in the area were known to the French, though they did not exploit the mineral resources extensively.
The Louisiana Purchase and Early American Settlement (1803–1829)
In 1803, the Louisiana Purchase transferred the region, including what is now Hot Spring County, from France to the United States. This opened the area to American settlers, who were drawn to the fertile land, the Ouachita River, and the hot springs.
The region’s mineral resources, particularly the hot springs, attracted early settlers, who hoped to capitalize on the therapeutic properties of the springs and the area’s rich natural resources. By the 1820s, small settlements and farms had begun to develop, setting the stage for the establishment of Hot Spring County.
The Establishment of Hot Spring County and Antebellum Growth (1829–1861)
The Founding of Hot Spring County (1829)
Hot Spring County was officially established on November 2, 1829, by the Arkansas Territorial Legislature, making it one of the state’s earliest counties. It was named after the natural hot springs located nearby, which had been a focal point for both Native Americans and European settlers. The county was initially larger than its present size, but portions were later carved off to form new counties, including Garland County.
The county seat was initially located in Rockport, a town situated along the Ouachita River. Rockport became a key transportation hub, with settlers using the river for trade and transportation. The establishment of the county brought more settlers to the region, many of whom were attracted by the opportunities for farming and timber production.
Economic Development and the Rise of Agriculture
During the antebellum period, Hot Spring County’s economy was primarily based on agriculture. Cotton and corn were the dominant crops, with small family farms scattered throughout the region. The fertile soil and the availability of water from the Ouachita River made farming a viable economic activity.
In addition to agriculture, timber became an important industry in the county, with the area’s vast forests providing wood for construction and trade. Early settlers also began to exploit the area’s mineral resources, particularly in Magnet Cove, known for its unique deposits of minerals such as magnetite and titanium.
The Civil War and Reconstruction (1861–1877)
Hot Spring County During the Civil War (1861–1865)
When the Civil War erupted in 1861, Hot Spring County, like much of Arkansas, sided with the Confederacy. Many men from the county enlisted in the Confederate Army, and the region became involved in the larger conflict. Although no major battles occurred in Hot Spring County, the war had a significant impact on the local economy, disrupting agriculture and trade.
The strategic importance of the Ouachita River made the county a key transportation route during the war, and both Union and Confederate forces moved through the region. The war left much of the county’s infrastructure damaged, and the economy suffered as a result of the widespread destruction and the end of slavery.
Reconstruction and Economic Challenges (1865–1877)
The period following the Civil War was one of hardship for Hot Spring County. The abolition of slavery meant that the county’s agricultural economy, which had relied on enslaved labor, had to adapt to new labor systems. Sharecropping and tenant farming became common as landowners sought to maintain their farms.
Reconstruction also brought political and social challenges to the region. Federal troops were stationed in Arkansas to enforce new laws and protect the rights of freed African Americans, but tensions between former Confederates and Unionists persisted. Despite these challenges, the county slowly began to recover, focusing once again on agriculture and timber production.
Post-Reconstruction Growth and Industrial Development (1877–1940s)
The Rise of Industry and the Railroad (1870s–1900s)
In the years following Reconstruction, Hot Spring County experienced significant economic growth, driven in large part by the expansion of the railroad. The arrival of the Cairo & Fulton Railroad (later part of the Missouri Pacific Railroad) in the late 19th century transformed the county, providing new transportation routes for goods and people.
The town of Malvern, established in 1870 along the railroad line, quickly became a major center of trade and industry. By 1878, Malvern was designated the new county seat, replacing Rockport. The town grew rapidly, becoming known as the “Brick Capital of the World” due to the large number of brick manufacturers that set up operations there.
Industrial and Agricultural Expansion
The expansion of the railroad also facilitated the growth of the timber and agricultural industries. Lumber mills were established throughout the county, and timber production became a major source of income. Farmers continued to grow cotton, corn, and other crops, but the county’s economy became increasingly diversified with the rise of manufacturing and industry.
The development of the brick industry in Malvern further boosted the local economy. Brick-making became one of the county’s most important industries, with Malvern bricks being shipped across the United States for use in construction projects.
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 effect on Hot Spring County, as it did across the country. The collapse of agricultural prices, particularly for cotton, left many farmers struggling to make a living. The timber and brick industries also suffered, with demand for their products declining during the economic downturn.
Federal programs implemented by President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal provided some relief to the county. Public works projects, such as the construction of roads, bridges, and schools, created jobs for local residents and helped to modernize the county’s infrastructure.
World War II and Economic Recovery (1941–1945)
The onset of World War II brought new economic opportunities to Hot Spring County. The demand for agricultural products, timber, and bricks increased as the U.S. government ramped up production for the war effort. Many men from Hot Spring County enlisted in the military, while women took on new roles in factories and other industries to support the war.
The post-war period saw a resurgence in the county’s economy, with both agriculture and industry experiencing renewed growth. The construction of new roads and highways further facilitated economic development, and Hot Spring County emerged from the war with a stronger and more diversified economy.
Modern Growth and Development (1950s–Present)
Post-War Growth and Economic Diversification (1950s–1980s)
Following World War II, Hot Spring County continued to grow and develop, with new industries emerging alongside the traditional sectors of agriculture and timber. The brick industry remained a major employer in Malvern, while manufacturing and retail sectors expanded throughout the county.
The construction of Interstate 30, which passes through the northern part of the county, further spurred economic growth by improving transportation and access to regional markets. Malvern, as the county seat, continued to grow as a commercial and industrial center, attracting new businesses and residents.
Modern Hot Spring County (1990s–Present)
Today, Hot Spring County remains a thriving region, with a diverse economy that includes agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. The county’s natural beauty, particularly along the Ouachita River and in Lake Catherine State Park, has made it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Malvern remains the economic hub of the county, known for its rich industrial history and its continued role as a center of manufacturing. Efforts to preserve the county’s historical landmarks and natural resources have helped to promote tourism and maintain a strong sense of community identity.
Key Historical Landmarks in Hot Spring County
Hot Spring County Courthouse
- Built: 1936
- Location: Malvern
- The Hot Spring County Courthouse is a historic landmark 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.
Lake Catherine State Park
- Established: 1935
- Location: Near Malvern
- Lake Catherine State Park is a popular destination for camping, hiking, and fishing. The park was developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) during the Great Depression and remains an important part of the county’s outdoor recreation opportunities.
Magnet Cove
- Location: Magnet Cove, Hot Spring County
- Magnet Cove is known for its unique mineral deposits, including magnetite and titanium. The area has attracted geologists and mineral collectors for over a century and remains a fascinating site for natural exploration.
