Arkansas County is located in the state of Arkansas and is part of the Delta Region. It is the largest county in the state, covering 1,041 square miles, and has a population of 19,019 people as of 2019. The county seat is DeWitt. See list of counties in Arkansas.
The topography of Arkansas County varies from flat plains to rolling hills and forests. The White River runs through the county with over 100 miles of shoreline along its banks. The Cache River also runs through the county with backwaters providing excellent fishing opportunities. Much of the county lies within the Grand Prairie area, which was once covered with tallgrass prairie and wetlands.
The economy in Arkansas County is largely agricultural with soybeans being a major crop along with corn, rice, cotton, milo, wheat and hay. Poultry farming is also important to the local economy. There are several industries in Arkansas County such as a poultry processing plant in DeWitt and a wood products plant near Stuttgart. There are also several recreational areas in the county including Lake Chicot State Park and White River National Wildlife Refuge which offer camping, fishing and boating opportunities for visitors to enjoy.
Arkansas County has a rich history dating back to 1813 when it was formed out of Prairie County. During this time it was home to many Native American tribes such as Quapaw and Osage who lived off the land by hunting game and gathering wild plants for food sources. After European settlement began to grow more settlers moved into Arkansas County bringing new technologies such as steamboats that allowed them to travel further upriver than ever before allowing them access to markets further away from home where they could sell their goods for profit.
During the Civil War, Arkansas County saw much conflict between Union forces led by General Steele who were attempting to take control of Little Rock from Confederate forces led by General Price who were based at Stuttgart during this time period but ultimately failed in their mission due to heavy losses sustained on both sides at Prairie D’Ane near Stuttgart on April 10th 1864 which led directly into Price’s retreat eastward towards Camden where he eventually surrendered his troops later that month ending any chance for Confederate victory in Arkansas altogether
Today, much of what makes up modern day Arkansas County remains unchanged from its past though much progress has been made over time such as an increase in industry thanks largely due to advances made during World War II when many factories opened up offering jobs that remain today while modernization has brought new life into many rural towns throughout Arkansas making them more attractive places for people looking for quality employment opportunities while still being able to enjoy small town living
Overall, today’s Arkansas County offers something for everyone whether you are looking for outdoor activities like hunting or fishing or just want a quiet place away from it all while still having access to all modern conveniences it offers something unique that you won’t find anywhere else making it an ideal destination no matter what your interests may be.
History of Arkansas County, Arkansas
Arkansas County is located in the southeastern corner of Arkansas, and is one of the oldest counties in the state. It was established on October 13, 1813, and was one of five counties created by the Arkansas Territorial Legislature. The county was named for the Arkansas River that runs through it.
The first European settlers in the area were French explorers who arrived in 1686. They were followed by Spanish explorers who established a fort near present-day DeWitt in 1762. After the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, American settlers began to move into what would become Arkansas County. The first county seat was established at Davidsonville in 1820, but it soon moved to a new location at Arkansas Post.
In 1861, Arkansas County seceded from the Union and joined the Confederacy during the Civil War. After Union forces captured Little Rock in 1863, they occupied much of western Arkansas County. This occupation lasted until 1865 when Confederate forces regained control of Little Rock and surrounding areas.
At this time, Arkansas County’s economy was based largely on agriculture with cotton being a major crop for many farmers. The construction of railroads throughout the area during this period helped spur economic growth as well as allowing for increased trade with other parts of Arkansas and beyond.
In 1888, oil was discovered near DeWitt which helped to further diversify its economy and attract additional settlers to the area. In 1904 an act of Congress created White River National Wildlife Refuge which encompassed most of eastern Arkansas County; this protected land is still enjoyed by people today for its abundant wildlife and recreational opportunities such as hunting, fishing, camping and birdwatching.
Today, many people live on farms or ranches where they raise cattle or grow crops such as soybeans or rice; some also work in nearby industries like meatpacking or timber production while others commute to larger cities like Little Rock or Stuttgart for employment opportunities there. Education is also important here with most children attending either public schools or private religious institutions throughout their academic careers; higher education can be found at University of Central Arkansas’ Morrilton campus located just outside DeWitt city limits as well as other nearby colleges like Philander Smith College (Little Rock) or Harding University (Searcy).
Arkansas County has come a long way from its early days when it was first settled but it still retains much of its rural charm that makes it such an attractive place to live today.