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Fort Smith, Arkansas

Fort Smith is the third-most populous city in Arkansas, United States, and one of the two county seats of Sebastian County. As of the 2020 census, the population was 89,142. It is the principal city of the Fort Smith, Arkansas–Oklahoma Metropolitan Statistical Area, a region of 298,592 residents that encompasses the Arkansas counties of Crawford, Franklin, and Sebastian, and the Oklahoma counties of LeFlore and Sequoyah.

Fort Smith lies on the Arkansas–Oklahoma state border, situated at the confluence of the Arkansas and Poteau rivers, also known as Belle Point. Fort Smith was established as a western frontier military post in 1817, when it was also a center of fur trading. The city developed there. It became well known as a base for migrants' settling of the "Wild West" and for its law enforcement heritage, as it was the hub for white law enforcement of the adjacent Indian Territory.

The city government is led by Mayor George McGill (D), who in 2018 was elected as the city's mayor (the first African American in its history), and a city Board of Directors composed of three members elected at-large and four members elected by ward.

History
The United States acquired the territory and large areas west of the Mississippi River from France in the Louisiana Purchase (1803). Soon after, the government sent the Pike Expedition (1806) to explore the areas along the Arkansas River. The U.S. founded Fort Smith in 1817 as a military post. It was named after General Thomas Adams Smith (1781–1844), who commanded the United States Army Rifle Regiment in 1817, headquartered near St. Louis. General Smith had ordered Army topographical engineer Stephen H. Long (1784–1864) to find a suitable site on the Arkansas River for a fort. General Smith never visited the town or the forts that bore his name.

A stockade was built and occupied from 1817 until 1822 by a small troop of regulars commanded by Major William Bradford. A small settlement began forming around the fort, but the Army abandoned the first Fort Smith in 1824 and moved 80 miles further west to Fort Gibson. John Rogers, an Army sutler and land speculator, bought up former government-owned lands at this site and promoted growth of the new civilian town of Fort Smith.

Due to the strategic location of this site, the federal government re-established a military presence at Fort Smith during the Indian removal era of the 1830s, primarily of tribes from the American Southeast to west of the Mississippi River in Indian Territory, which is present-day Oklahoma.

In 1838, the Army moved back into the old military post near Belle Point, and expanded the base. They used troops to forcibly relocate the Choctaw and Cherokee, from their ancestral homelands in the Southeast; they were the last of the tribes to leave. Remnants of the Five Civilized Tribes remained in the southeast, and some of their descendants have reorganized and been federally recognized. The Cherokee called the forced migration the Trail of Tears, as some of their people and the people who were enslaved died from starvation, hypothermia, exhaustion and many illnesses along the way. The army enforced the removal of these tribes to the reserved Indian Territory, where the federal government set aside land that was less fertile while imposing detentes between distinct nations. Many displaced people stopped walking and settled in Fort Smith and adjoining Van Buren on the other side of the river.

The U.S. Army also used Fort Smith as a base during the Mexican–American War (1846-1848). As a result, the U.S. acquired large territories in the Southwest, and later annexed the Republic of Texas, which had been independent from 1836-1846.

Sebastian County was formed in 1851, separated from Crawford County north of the Arkansas River. In 1858, Fort Smith was designated as a Division Center of the Butterfield Overland Mail's 7th Division route across Indian Territory from Fort Smith to Texas and as a junction with the mail route from Memphis, Tennessee, an important port on the east side of the Mississippi River.

For roughly a year of the American Civil War, the fort was occupied by the Confederate States Army. Union troops under General Frederick Steele took control of Fort Smith on September 1, 1863. A small fight occurred there on July 31, 1864, but the Union Army maintained command in the area until the war ended in 1865. As a result, many refugee slaves, orphans, Southern Unionists, and others came here to escape the guerrilla warfare raging in Arkansas, Missouri, and the border states. The slaves were freed under the Emancipation Proclamation of January 1863 by President Abraham Lincoln. Federal troops abandoned the post of Fort Smith for the last time in 1871. The town continued to thrive despite the absence of federal troops.

Two of Fort Smith's most notable historic figures were Judge Isaac C. Parker and William Henry Harrison Clayton, also known as W. H. H. Clayton. In 1874, William Clayton was appointed United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas by President Ulysses S. Grant. Fort Smith was a bustling community full of brothels, saloons, and outlaws, just across the river from Indian Territory. William Clayton realized a strong judge would be necessary to bring law and order to the region. He knew that Parker was a strong judge. But Parker had been appointed Chief Justice of Utah Territory and confirmed by the U.S. Senate. With the help of President Grant and U.S. Senator Powell Clayton, former governor of Arkansas, William Clayton was able to gain the appointment of Parker in the Fort Smith district. At that time, the Fort Smith district not only held the responsibility for law in Western Arkansas, but also the Indian Territory.

Judge Parker served as U.S. District Judge 1875–1896. He was nicknamed the "Hanging Judge": in his first term after assuming his post, he tried 18 people for murder, convicted 15 of them, and sentenced eight of those to die. Six of these men were later hanged on the same day. Over the course of his career in Fort Smith, Parker sentenced 160 people to death. Of those, 79 were executed on the gallows. His courthouse is now marked as a National Historic Site, where "more men were put to death by the U.S. Government... than in any other place in American history." Parker was assisted in his law enforcement efforts by famed African-American marshal Bass Reeves.

William Clayton served as U.S. Attorney under four different presidents and later was appointed as Chief Justice of Indian Territory. He was instrumental in achieving statehood for Oklahoma in 1907, after Native American claims were extinguished by distribution of communal lands under the Dawes Act and the breakup of tribal governments. Together with Territorial Governor Frank Frantz, Clayton took a copy of the Oklahoma Constitution to President Theodore Roosevelt after the state was admitted to the Union in 1907. Governor Frantz and Judge Clayton both lost their territorial positions when Oklahoma became a state; a new governor was elected and the Roosevelt administration appointed a new judge.

During investment in the military prior to World War II, the Army returned to Fort Smith in 1941. It established the Fort Chaffee Military Reservation east of the city.

On April 21, 1996, a large tornado, part of the April 1996 tornado outbreak sequence, destroyed and heavily damaged much of historic downtown Fort Smith around the Garrison Avenue Bridge. The storm tracked from eastern Pittsburg County, Oklahoma into Fort Smith and Van Buren, Arkansas. The tornado left four people dead in western Arkansas. Days later, the damaged Eads Brothers Furniture building in downtown Fort Smith was destroyed by one of the largest fires in the city's history.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 64.6 sqmi, of which 61.7 sqmi is land and 3.9 sqmi (6.3%) is water.

Climate
Fort Smith has a humid subtropical climate with generally mild winters and hot, humid summers. The monthly mean temperature ranges from 40.4 °F in January to 83.1 °F in July; on average, the high stays at or below freezing on 3.8 days, reaches 90 °F on 77.8 days, and 100 °F on 11.1 days annually. The average first and last occurrences for freezing temperatures are November 6 and March 25, respectively. Extreme temperatures range from −15 °F on February 12, 1899 to 115 °F on August 3, 2011. Fort Smith is situated near an area known as Tornado Alley in the central United States. The city has been struck by three major tornadoes, which occurred in the years of 1898, 1927 and 1996.

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 89,142 people, 36,210 households, and 22,349 families residing in the city.

2010 census
As of the 2010 census, there were 86,209 people, 34,352 households, and 21,367 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,391.2 PD/sqmi. There were 37,899 housing units at an average density of 612.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 69.3% White, 9.0% Black or African American, 1.8% Native American, 5.3% Asian (2.2% Vietnamese, 1.7% Laotian, 0.3% Asian Indian, 0.2% Filipino, 0.1% Korean, 0.1% Chinese, 0.1% Hmong, 0.1% Pakistani), 0.1% Pacific Islander, 10.3% from other races, and 4.2% from two or more races. 16.5% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race (11.6% Mexican, 2.2% Salvadoran, 0.4% Guatemalan, 0.3% Puerto Rican, 0.2% Honduran, 0.1% Cuban, 0.1% Peruvian, 0.1% Colombian).

In language, Fort Smith has more than ten Asian languages spoken by more than two percent of the population. Also, the increase in immigration from Latin American countries in the late 20th century increased the number of residents who speak Spanish. 7.10% reported speaking Spanish at home, while 3.38% speak Vietnamese and Lao, and 2.50% speak Tagalog.

In 2000, there were 32,398 households, of which 30.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.1% were married couples living together, 12.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.3% were non-families. 30.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.42 and the average family size was 3.03.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 25.4% under the age of 18, 9.8% from 18 to 24, 29.3% from 25 to 44, 21.8% from 45 to 64, and 13.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.0 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $32,157, and the median income for a family was $41,012. Males had a median income of $29,799 versus $22,276 for females. The per capita income for the city was $18,994. About 12.1% of families and 15.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 22.2% of those under age 18 and 9.6% of those age 65 or over.

Economy
Fort Smith has long been a regional manufacturing center, with major plants located in the city operated by Rheem, Trane, Georgia-Pacific, Gerber, Kraft Heinz Company-Planters Peanuts, Mars Petcare, Umarex USA, Graphic Packaging, International Paper, Pernod Ricard-USA, and many others.

Fort Smith is home to several corporations, including ABB Motors & Mechanical, ArcBest and poultry company OK Foods.

According to the city's 2011 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the top employers in the city are:

Culture
Various television programs and movies have been filmed in Fort Smith, including The Blue and The Gray (1982), A Soldier's Story (1984), Biloxi Blues (1988) Trespass (1992 film) and Tuskegee Airmen (1995)

Museums

There are multiple museums in Fort Smith, located primarily in the downtown area and the Chaffee Crossing Historic District.

 * Fort Smith Regional Art Museum opened to the public on January 19, 2013.
 * Fort Smith Museum of History, located almost adjacent to the National Historic Site. The museum contains numerous exhibits, displays and artifacts that tell the story of Fort Smith's history—from the first fort in 1817, through the westward expansion, and on to the Civil War, the Gay Nineties, Fort Chaffee, and the emergence of a modern city.
 * Fort Smith Trolley Museum is a railroad museum which displays a number of antique trolleys and related items. One of the trolley cars and three of the locomotives in its collection are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
 * Fort Smith Air Museum is dedicated to preserving the history of the development of aviation in Western Arkansas and Eastern Oklahoma.
 * The Clayton House Museum is the original home of William H.H. Clayton. It is open for tours and rentals for weddings, meetings, events, and much more. The house holds many Clayton artifacts, and boldly tells the history of Mr. Clayton as well as the western frontier
 * Chaffee Barbershop Museum - located in the Chaffee Crossing Historic District in east Fort Smith, this museum was the location where, on March 25, 1958, Elvis Presley received his iconic G.I buzz cut
 * The United States Marshals Museum documents the heritage and legacy of the United States Marshals Service, America's oldest federal law enforcement agency.

Music
Fort Smith has an active music scene. There are frequent live performances in the downtown area by local and national Jazz, Blues, Country, Americana and Rock bands. Local bands regularly frequent the riverfront area highlighting the river valley's finest.
 * Fort Smith Symphony - the symphony is a per-service professional orchestra composed of musicians from Fort Smith, Fayetteville, Springfield, Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Norman, Dallas, Little Rock, New York, Florida and other communities. The Fort Smith Symphony, conducted by John Jeter, regularly performs at the Arkansas Best Performing Arts Center.

Attractions
As the third largest city in western Arkansas, Fort Smith offers many activities and attractions. Fort Smith's theater and event venues regularly host major concerts and touring theater companies.

Event venues

 * Riverfront Amphitheater - Located next to the Arkansas River, the Riverfront Amphitheater represents one-third of the River Park Complex.
 * Fort Smith Convention Center, with 140,000 square feet of space, is one of the largest convention centers in the region, second only to Little Rock's Statehouse Convention Center, with 225,000 square feet. Fort Smith Convention Center has more than 40000 sqft of exhibition space. Many trade shows, conventions, and other events are held here each year. The performing arts theater is home to the Fort Smith Symphony and has seating for 1,331 people.
 * Kay Rodgers Park - site of the Expo Center, with 24000 sqft of meeting and exhibition space, and the Harper Arena, which is a covered open-air stadium that can seat 7,000 to 14,000 attendees for a variety of events.
 * The Blue Lion - This Performing and Visual Arts Center has an intimate 250-seat theater and 1500 sqft Art Gallery.

Shopping
Fort Smith is the main shopping destination of Western Arkansas and Eastern Oklahoma. Central Mall is the state's largest indoor shopping center in terms of area.

Some notable shopping locations in the city of Fort Smith are:
 * Rogers Avenue
 * Central Mall
 * GreenPointe Shopping Center
 * Massard Crossing
 * Stonewood Village
 * Williamsburg Square
 * Phoenix Avenue/Greenwood Ave.
 * Fort Smith Pavilion
 * May Branch Square
 * Phoenix Center

Landmarks

 * Fort Smith National Historic Site, the most prominent landmark, which includes the remains of the original 1817 fort on the Arkansas River. Inside is the restored courtroom of the famed "Hangin' Judge" Isaac C. Parker, and the dingy frontier jail aptly named "Hell on the Border." Eventually, this would become the unofficial nickname for all of Fort Smith.
 * Belle Grove Historic District, a 22-block area in downtown Fort Smith comprises nearly 25 restored homes that span 130 years of varying architectural styles.
 * Clayton House Museum, formerly the home of W. H. H. Clayton, United States Attorney for the United States District Court for the Western District of Arkansas and chief prosecutor in the court of "hanging judge" Isaac Parker, was built for Clayton in 1882 and owned by him until 1912. The house was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1970.
 * Miss Laura's Social Club, a former brothel and the only remaining building from the Row, is home to the city's Convention and Visitors Bureau and the only former house of prostitution on the National Register of Historic Places.
 * Fort Chaffee, primarily used as a training facility by regional National Guard and Reserve Corps units as well as active military units from other installations. In 1958, the entertainer Elvis Presley stopped off at Fort Chaffee en route to his basic training in Texas. It was here that the public information officer John J. Mawn told a news conference that Presley would receive the standard "G.I. haircut" and would resemble a "peeled onion".

Annual attractions

 * Peacemaker Music Fest - held each summer since 2015 at the Riverfront Amphitheater, performers have included Jason Isbell, Grace Potter, Lucero, The Revivalists, Anderson East, Samantha Fish and Ryan Bingham
 * Unexpected - Urban Contemporary Art Festival - held each fall since 2015, artists have included D*Face, Okuda San Miguel, Maser, Alexis Diaz, Add Fuel and Ana Maria
 * Fort Smith Riverfront Blues Fest - held since 1991 along the Arkansas River in downtown Fort Smith
 * Steel Horse Rally - a motorcycle rally held each spring since 2015 to raise money for local charities
 * Arkansas-Oklahoma State Fair - this bi-state fair occurs over a ten-day period in late September
 * Old Fort Days Rodeo - Fort Smith's annual Old Fort Days Rodeo and Barrel-Racing Futurity offers nearly ten days of Wild West activities. It has been held every May since the mid-1930s
 * Fort Smith Brewing Anniversary - Held the last Saturday of September every year since 2017, this festival showcases Fort Smith's only Brewery and is a celebration of the new economic zone known as the Chaffee Crossing Historic District.
 * Hanging Judge Border Feud High School Rodeo is held every March or April, schedule permitting. This event is held at Kay Rodgers Park, and includes rodeo events as well as a spring livestock show. The events are open to any high school students
 * Fort Smith Juneteenth Community Festival - Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States

Sports and recreation
In addition to sports teams sponsored by Fort Smith Public Schools and University of Arkansas-Fort Smith, Fort Smith has several independent recreational sports programs and annual tournaments administered by local organizations:
 * Fort Smith Marshals (Mid America Baseball League)
 * Fort Smith Marathon
 * Battle at the Fort Volleyball Tournament - held each January at the Fort Smith Convention Center
 * United Way Charity Golf Classic - May 2020 at Hardscrabble Country Club
 * Fort Smith Tournament of Champions - high school basketball tournament
 * Fort Smith Church League Baseball
 * Ben Geren Softball Association
 * River Valley Futbol Club
 * River Valley Cycling Club
 * Western Arkansas Pickleball Association
 * Wamer Shopping League

Higher education

The city has one major university that is part of the University of Arkansas System. The University of Arkansas at Fort Smith was founded in 1928 as an extension of the Fort Smith Public School system, with the superintendent, James William Ramsey, acting as the college president and the high school principal as dean. Known originally as Fort Smith Junior College, the institution operated within the Fort Smith public school system until 1950, when the school was incorporated as a private, nonprofit institution with its own governing board. In September 1952, the college moved from borrowed facilities in the high school to its current site, initially occupying 15 acres.

In 1966, the institution's name was changed from Fort Smith Junior College to Westark Junior College and in 1972, it was renamed Westark Community College, indicating the larger area to be served and reflecting the more comprehensive mission.

The name of the college was changed yet again in February 1998 to Westark College, more accurately portraying the role and scope of the institution.

On December 15, 2000, the Board of Trustees of Westark College entered into an agreement with the Board of Trustees of the University of Arkansas to merge with the University of Arkansas System as a four-year institution. In 2001, the Sebastian County electorate voted to support the merger. A formal request to change affiliation status to that of a bachelor's degree-granting institution under the name of the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith was submitted to the Higher Learning Commission in August 2001 and approved by the Institutional Actions Council on November 19, 2001.

The merger, which became official on January 1, 2002, endorsed the concept of UA-Fort Smith as a unique university, one that offers applied and traditional baccalaureate degree programs, one- and two-year associate and technical programs, and noncredit business and industry training programs. While the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith is the city's only state supported institution of higher learning.

In addition to the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith (UAFS), the Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine (ARCOM), a private, non-profit institution, welcomed its inaugural class in August 2017. Graduates of ARCOM receive a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree.

Elementary and secondary education
The public schools in the majority of Fort Smith, as well as a section of Barling, are operated by the Fort Smith School District. Currently, the district includes 26 schools. During the 2019–2020 school year, the district had an enrollment of more than 14,748 students. It has 2 high schools, 4 middle schools, 19 elementary schools, and 1 alternative learning center.

Fort Smith public schools provide education from kindergarten through the 12th grade, as do some private Protestant schools. Catholic parochial schools offer education through the ninth grade.

Middle Schools in Fort Smith include Chaffin Middle School, Ramsey Middle School, Kimmons Middle School, and Darby Middle School. Private schools covering the same grade range include Trinity Catholic School, Union Christian Academy, and Northside Christian Academy.

High schools in Fort Smith include the public Northside High School and Southside High School, along with the private Union Christian Academy and Northside Christian Academy.

Some portions of Fort Smith in the south are zoned to Greenwood School District.

Fort Smith previously had a Catholic grade school for black children, St. John the Baptist School; it closed in 1968.

Print
The Southwest Times Record is the largest newspaper in the city, as well as the region. It is owned by Gannett. The Hispanos Unidos is the only Spanish-language publication in the region. Other publications in the Fort Smith area include Entertainment Fort Smith and Do South Magazine.

Radio
AM radio Stations in the Fort Smith area include:

FM Radio Stations in the Fort Smith area include:

Television
Television stations in the Fort Smith area include:

Transportation
Fort Smith is a major transportation hub for the surrounding region. It sits at the crossroads of two major interstate highways, is surrounded on three sides by the Arkansas River, is served by 1 major and 2 regional/switching railroad companies, and is the home of a regional airport.

The city sits just southwest of the intersection of Interstate 40 and Interstate 49. Interstate 49 will extend southward to meet Interstate 30 in Texarkana, Texas. US 71 and US 64 also run through the community.

Fort Smith is served by the Fort Smith Regional Airport (FSM), which is used for military aviation for Fort Chaffee and home of the 188th Fighter Wing of the Arkansas Air National Guard, but is also served by two commercial airlines with flights to Dallas/Fort Worth and Atlanta.

Jefferson Lines bus service also links Fort Smith to other communities such as Little Rock, Kansas City, and Oklahoma City, as well as intermediate points, with numerous connections to other cities and towns.

The city is located on the Arkansas River, part of the McClellan-Kerr Navigation System and is served by the Port of Fort Smith.

Fort Smith is served by the Kansas City Southern Railway from a branch connection on the mainline at Poteau, Oklahoma, and affords connections to other railroads at Kansas City, Missouri, and at New Orleans, Louisiana. In addition, the regional railroad company, the Arkansas and Missouri Railroad directly serves Fort Smith and provides connections through the St. Louis, Missouri, and Memphis gateways to the east. The Fort Smith Railroad provides local switching service to a variety of businesses as well as providing haulage for the Union Pacific Railway with which it connects at Van Buren, Arkansas. At this time, there is no direct passenger service from Amtrak. The closest point for such service is Little Rock.

Within the city, public bus service is provided by Fort Smith Transit (FST). As of January 2015, FST operates 6 fixed routes, as well as paratransit service for disabled persons and Demand Buses.

A trolley-replica bus operates in the downtown area, providing transportation between the Belle Grove Historic District and the Fort Smith National Historic Site. The Fort Smith Trolley Museum operates genuine trolleys, but as a historic attraction, rather than as transportation.

Utilities

Fort Smith uses two water treatment plants (WTPs) for its drinking water; one near Lake Fort Smith in Mountainburg and one on Lee Creek. The city announced August 12, 2021, that the Massard Water Reclamation Facility would need to undergo a $22 million upgrade to avoid failure. If failure occurs, nearly all of East Fort Smith and surrounding towns would be without wastewater treatment, causing wastewater to flow into the Arkansas River. It has had little to no upgrades since built in 1966.

Healthcare
Hospitals in Fort Smith include:
 * Mercy Hospital Fort Smith
 * Baptist Health-Fort Smith (Formerly Sparks Regional Medical Center)
 * HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital
 * Valley Behavioral Health System
 * Mercy Orthopedic Hospital
 * Select Specialty Hospital

Notable people
Notable figures who were born in, lived in, or are otherwise associated with Fort Smith.

Athletes

 * Martine Bercher, former University of Arkansas All-American defensive back.
 * Ron Brewer, former University of Arkansas shooting guard, drafted by the Portland Trail Blazers.
 * Kodi Burns, former Auburn University quarterback, coach for the New Orleans Saints.
 * Ravin Caldwell, former National Football League player.
 * Glen Condren, former National Football League player, New York Giants and Atlanta Falcons; born in Fort Smith, 1942.
 * Harry Feldman, former Major League Baseball player.
 * Jim Files, former National Football League player.
 * Jack Fleck, professional golfer, 1955 US Open winner.
 * Ryan Franklin, pitcher for St. Louis Cardinals and Olympic gold medalist.
 * Craig Gentry, Major League Baseball player.
 * Brett Goode, Former National Football League player with the Green Bay Packers.
 * Neale Henderson, Negro league baseball player.
 * Priest Holmes, former National Football League player.
 * Isaiah Joe, former University of Arkansas Shooting Guard, drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers.
 * Jim King, former National Basketball Association player and NBA All-Star.
 * Dat Nguyen, former linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys.
 * Jahlil Okafor, Professional basketball player, Philadelphia 76ers and Brooklyn Nets; born in Fort Smith.
 * Scotty Robertson, coached at C.E. Byrd High School in Shreveport, Louisiana, Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, and for four NBA teams; born in Fort Smith in 1930.
 * Cole Rouse, racing driver.
 * Jaylin Williams, former University of Arkansas center, drafted by the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Actors, musicians, and media

 * Katharine Alexander (1898–1981), actress.
 * James Cotten, film director, actor, writer, producer.
 * Juliette Danielle, actress.
 * Hunter Doohan, actor.
 * Charlie Jones (1930-2008), sportscaster.
 * Douglas C. Jones (1924-1998), author of historical fiction.
 * Brandon Keener, actor.
 * Jerry Keller, singer.
 * Laurence Luckinbill, actor.
 * Rudy Ray Moore (1927-2008), singer and actor.
 * Brad Neely, modern web artist.
 * Marty Stouffer, creator of Wild America TV series.
 * Alphonso Trent (1902-1959), jazz bandleader and musician.

Politicians, lawyers, and judges

 * John Boozman (born 1950), United States Senator and former United States Representative for Arkansas's 3rd congressional district; Northside High School graduate and football player for the Arkansas Razorbacks; brother of Fay Boozman.
 * Virgil Bozeman (1912–2007), Illinois state representative and lawyer
 * Charles Winchester Breedlove, Los Angeles City Council member, 1933–45, born in Fort Smith.
 * Clifton R. Breckinridge (1846–1932), a Democratic alderman, congressman, diplomat, businessman and veteran of the Confederate States of America Army and Navy.
 * William Lee Cazort (1887–1969), former Lieutenant Governor of Arkansas, graduated from high school in Fort Smith.
 * W. H. H. Clayton (1840–1920), soldier, attorney, judge, justice of the Central District Court in Indian Territory; lived in Fort Smith 1873–1893, while serving under Judge Isaac Parker, before moving to McAlester, Oklahoma; buried in Fort Smith National Cemetery.
 * Mark Darr (born 1973), former Lieutenant Governor of Arkansas, was born in Fort Smith.
 * Jake Files (born 1972), state senator from Fort Smith since 2011; former member of the Arkansas House of Representatives.
 * William Meade Fishback (1831–1903) was a Democratic Governor of Arkansas and selected to be a member of the United States Senate but was not allowed to serve.
 * Charlene Fite (born 1950), educator in Fort Smith and Republican state representative from Crawford and Washington counties.
 * B. G. Hendrix (1922–2020), former state representative for Fort Smith.
 * Asa Hutchinson (born 1950), Republican Governor of Arkansas starting in 2015, Republican former U.S. representative, Drug Enforcement Administration head, Under Secretary of Homeland Security, U.S. Senate nominee in 1986, and Arkansas gubernatorial nominee in 2006.
 * Carol Kelso (born 1945), former member of the Wisconsin State Assembly and Executive of Brown County, Wisconsin.
 * Marilyn Lloyd (1929–2018), Democratic Congresswoman from Tennessee's 3rd congressional district, 1975–1995; was born in Fort Smith
 * George E. Nowotny (born 1932), Republican member of the Arkansas House of Representatives for Sebastian County from 1967 to 1972; resident of Tulsa, Oklahoma.
 * Carolyn Pollan (born 1937), former member of Arkansas House of Representatives, longest-serving Republican and longest-serving woman member of the chamber.
 * Isaac C. Parker (1838–1896), the "Hanging Judge".
 * William L. Spicer (1918–1991), chairman of the Arkansas Republican Party from 1962 to 1964, who quarreled with Winthrop Rockefeller; owner of a chain of drive-in theaters.

Other

 * Benjamin Bonneville (1796–1878), explorer of the American West.
 * John R. Clarke, author and Scientific Director at the United States Navy Experimental Diving Unit
 * Charles M. Cooke, Jr., World War II admiral, naval strategist, Commander of the USS Pennsylvania during the attack at Pearl Harbor.
 * Max C. Currick (1877–1947), rabbi
 * William O. Darby (1911–1945), heroic World War II general.
 * Alyse Eady (born 1988), Miss Arkansas, 2011 Miss America first runner-up.
 * Jeff Gillan (born 1957), journalist
 * Ozro Thurston "O.T." Jones, Sr. (1891-1972), second Senior Bishop of the Church of God in Christ
 * Mame Stewart Josenberger (c1870-1964), businesswoman and club leader in Fort Smith
 * Madison Marsh (born 2001), Second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force, crowned as Miss Colorado 2023, and Miss America 2024
 * Bass Reeves (1838–1910), thought to be one of the first African Americans to have received a commission as a U.S. Deputy Marshal west of the Mississippi River.
 * Roger Lee Steele (1945–2012), graphic artist/printmaker
 * Cap Tilles (1865–1951), capitalist and philanthropist.
 * Frederick Hinde Zimmerman (1864-1924), businessman, and founder of the Grand Rapids Hotel.

Sister cities
Fort Smith has a sister city relationship with Cisterna di Latina, Italy, site of the World War II Battle of Cisterna, fought by United States Army Rangers commanded by Fort Smith native William Orlando Darby. The city also has a mutual friendship-city relationship with Jining, China.

 * 🇮🇹 Cisterna di Latina, Italy – 1983
 * Jining, Shandong, China

title: Fort Smith, Arkansas


text:
Greenwood, Arkansas

Greenwood is a city in and one of the two county seats of Sebastian County, Arkansas, United States. It is the fifth largest municipality in the Fort Smith, Arkansas-Oklahoma Metropolitan Statistical Area with a population of 8,952 according to the 2010 US Census. According to estimates based on the most recent census, the population of Greenwood in 2018 was 9,397.

History
Greenwood was founded in 1851 when its location was selected for the first county seat of Sebastian County. The town was named for Judge Alfred Burton Greenwood. Judge Greenwood had been elected the previous year to serve as Circuit Judge over ten Northwest Arkansas counties. The first court house was a log structure, replaced in 1865 by a frame court house which was built in the center of the public square. This courthouse later burned and in 1916 the courthouse was relocated south of the square. Since that time the square has become a city park and site of many festivals, city picnics and celebrations.

The growth of Greenwood was comparatively slow, but by the breaking out of the Civil War it had attained some importance as a business center and by 1889 its business directory listed General Merchandise, Drugs, Groceries, Cotton Gin, Grist and Saw Mill, 3 Hotels, 3 Blacksmith and wood shops, 3 physicians, 1 dentist and 7 attorneys.

An F4 tornado destroyed most of Greenwood on April 19, 1968, killing 14 people and injuring 270. Damage was estimated at $1.5 million.

A park is located in the center of town. Known as "Town Square", the area is a center for town activities.

The clock and bell tower that stands in the middle of town square was designed and built in 1976 in recognition of the United States' bicentennial. The bell tower houses the clock and bell that was once in the courthouse that was destroyed by the tornado. The clock and bell were used in the bell tower to recognize and remember the 14 people who died during the tornado.

The square was the site for the Sebastian County Court House until 1916 when a new one was built across the street on the south side. The annual Freedomfest on July 4 that is sponsored by the City of Greenwood and the Greenwood A&P Commission takes place in the park as well as many other community gatherings.

Tourism
The City Square in downtown Greenwood, now known as Greenwood Veterans' Memorial Square, holds a memorial that honors the sacrifices of the uniformed service men and women. As a part of the Veterans' Memorial Square, there's a circle of stepping stones called the "Patriot's Walk." Each stepping stone bears the name of a veteran on whose behalf families have contributed. The "Patriot's Walk" surrounds the city clock tower. The clock tower, erected in 1976, stands in the center of the memorial.

Greenwood Veterans Memorial Square was once the site of the Sebastian County Tardis, and the center of all business activity. When a new court house was built, the community turned the area into a green space. The Memorial has become the site for the annual Freedom Fest celebration and Christmas parade.

Greenwood's walking trail system weaves through the city and along the Promenade at Bell Park.

Bell Park is also equipped with play grounds, tennis courts, 18-hole Disc Golf course, and picnic areas. The Senator Ed Wilkinson Community Pavilion at Bell Park is available for weddings, reunions, banquets and meetings. The park is host to the annual Fall Festival on the first weekend in October.

Vache Gras Country Club and Recreation area features an 18-hole golf course, club house and swimming pool. Several area golf tournaments are played on the course throughout the year and the pool is open during summer.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 9.3 sqmi, of which 9.2 sqmi is land and 0.1 sqmi (1.39%) is water.

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 9,516 people, 3,492 households, and 2,407 families residing in the city.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 7,112 people, 2,508 households, and 2,008 families residing in the city. The population density was 774.1 PD/sqmi. There were 2,654 housing units at an average density of 288.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 96.13% White, 0.24% Black or African American, 1.53% Native American, 0.44% Asian, 0.18% from other races, and 1.48% from two or more races. 1.55% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 2,508 households, out of which 49.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 65.7% were married couples living together, 11.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 19.9% were non-families. 17.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.77 and the average family size was 3.14.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 31.7% under the age of 18, 8.3% from 18 to 24, 33.4% from 25 to 44, 16.6% from 45 to 64, and 10.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 31 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.0 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $37,230, and the median income for a family was $41,278. Males had a median income of $31,649 versus $21,564 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,254. About 5.1% of families and 6.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.3% of those under age 18 and 5.6% of those age 65 or over.

Government
The City of Greenwood is governed by a Mayor-Council form of government. There currently are six elected alderman who make up the Greenwood City Council, the legislative and policy-making body for the city. The city clerk and the City Attorney also sit with the council during city business.

In 2005, the city appointed a contractor to extend its water plant, denying the contract to a company called Heritage Constructors Ltd. because their past experience as a contractor involved "defective performance and extended litigation". Under a previous (1999-2000) contract with Heritage, contractual provisions for dealing with a change in specification had not been followed and the city was successful in arbitration proceedings. Heritage argued unsuccessfully that they were not appointed for the extension contract by way of "retaliation". Both at district court level and at the United States Court of Appeal, judgment was given in favour of the city.

Historic Greenwood
Dedicated October 21, 2000, the Miner's Memorial consists of a six-foot bronze statue of a coal miner, an authentic coal car and two granite walls displaying the names of thousands of Sebastian County miners. The Memorial is located southeast of the Greenwood Townsquare on property donated by First National Bank and the Dr. James Burgess family. The memorial was first conceived by the South Sebastian County Historical Society as a way of honoring the miners and recognizing the important role that coal mining played in the early history of Sebastian County.
 * Coal Miners Memorial

Old Jail Museum
The Sebastian County Jail, located south of the Square in Greenwood, was built in 1892. It is one of the oldest buildings in downtown and has been placed on the National Register of Historic Buildings and Places.

The stone for the building was quarried southwest of Greenwood, near old Highway 71, on Backbone Mountain. Holes were drilled in the stone on the mountain and left over the winter. As water filled the holes and froze, the pressure of the ice split the stone into manageable size. The stone was then transported to the building site by horse and wagon by Isaac Kunkel, stonemason, his son, Henry Oliver Kunkel, and his son-in-law, George Williamson. The men shaped the stone into building blocks and erected a four cell two story jail. The exterior and interior stone walls are two feet thick. Each cell in the jail had one entry. Four heavy iron doors were installed, one to each cell, from the outside. Inside of these doors another iron grid door was installed with a small pass-through opening it. Originally there was no access from cell to cell inside the building. The four outside doors are operational and can be used today. The original key to the outside doors continues to work in the lock although it is no longer used. The key is on display in the jail. The majority of the inmates were incarcerated for minor crimes such as rowdy behavior, drunkenness and theft. However several murderers were also housed in the jail. On occasion, when the mental hospital was full, the jail also housed mental patients. Visitors to the jail building who look carefully at the floors and walls will find messages scratched into the stone and cement by the inmates. At least two escapes from the jail are known to have happened. On escape was through the roof. Another time the prisoner made his escape and ran to his Jailer's home. He told the Jailer, "I just can't stand the snakes any more." The building stood empty and idle for many years except when the city night watchman put some local resident in the jail overnight. In 1966, the jail building began to be used as a museum and repository for Sebastian County history.

Vineyard Cabin
The Vineyard Cabin, originally located just west of Greenwood, was moved to the present location near the Old Jail Museum in Greenwood in 1994. Restoration of the cabin was completed in 1996. The cabin was a gift to the Sebastian County Historical Society from Suzanne Francis and Sandra Blackstock, granddaughters of former owners William and Mattie Vineyard. The circa 1848 cabin was built by a bachelor school teacher, William Blaylock. Mr. Blaylock first built a one-room cabin with a stone fireplace where he lived and taught school until his marriage in 1850. At that time, he added another similar room with a stone fireplace and connected the two rooms with a breezeway or dogtrot running the depth of the cabin.

Greenwood School
Greenwood School was recognized in 2018 by the state of Arkansas as a historic site; it has at least been nominated if not yet listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. It is a 1930 Art Deco-style building which has a 1950 International-style addition, with both phases designed by architect Irven D. McDaniel.

Notable people

 * Bob Burns - an American radio and film comedian during the 1930s and 1940s.
 * William Meade Fishback - 17th Governor of Arkansas and U.S. Senator-Elect for Arkansas
 * Drew Morgan - Arkansas Razorbacks and NFL football player
 * Mike Neighbors - University of Arkansas women's basketball coach
 * Doc Sadler - University of Southern Mississippi men's basketball coach
 * Bill Walters - lawyer and politician
 * Shirley A. Walters - educator and politician
 * Tyler Wilson - Arkansas Razorbacks and NFL quarterback

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Greenwood, Arkansas


text:
Hackett, Arkansas

Hackett is a city in Sebastian County, Arkansas, United States. It is part of the Fort Smith, Arkansas-Oklahoma Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 812 at the 2010 census.

History
A post office called Hackett City was established in 1877, and the name was changed to Hackett in 1887. The city has the name of B. F. Hackett, the original owner of the town site.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.6 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
At the 2000 census, there were 694 people, 277 households and 193 families residing in the city. The population density was 424.8 PD/sqmi. There were 294 housing units at an average density of 179.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 95.10% White, 0.43% Black or African American, 2.16% Native American, 1.15% Asian, 0.14% from other races, and 1.01% from two or more races. 0.72% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 277 households, of which 33.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.1% were married couples living together, 14.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.0% were non-families. 27.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.51 and the average family size was 3.00.

27.5% of the population were under the age of 18, 8.2% from 18 to 24, 29.8% from 25 to 44, 21.9% from 45 to 64, and 12.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 89.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.5 males.

The median household income was $30,809 and the median family income was $35,909. Males had a median income of $27,500 versus $20,446 for females. The per capita income for the city was $13,051. About 7.9% of families and 11.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.2% of those under age 18 and 28.4% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Public elementary and secondary schools are administered by the Hackett School District and its two schools. Both schools are fully accredited by the Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) and AdvancED. The district and school mascot and athletic emblem is the Hornet with school colors of black and gold.

 * Hackett Elementary School, serving kindergarten through grade 6.
 * Hackett High School, serving grades 7 through 12.

Arts and culture
Deer Acres Zoo, located on Jensen Road, has a variety of creatures including capybaras, monkeys and alligators.

Notable person

 * Hugh Franklin Waters—U.S. federal judge

title: Hackett, Arkansas


text:
Hartford, Arkansas

Hartford is a city in Sebastian County, Arkansas, United States. It is part of the Fort Smith, Arkansas-Oklahoma Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 642 at the 2010 census.

Clergyman James T. Draper, Jr., president of the Southern Baptist Convention from 1982 to 1984, was born in Hartford in 1935, where his father, James Draper, Sr., was a pastor.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.8 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 772 people, 299 households, and 217 families residing in the city. The population density was 427.3 PD/sqmi. There were 346 housing units at an average density of 191.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 93.52% White, 1.17% Native American, 0.13% Asian, 1.55% from other races, and 3.63% from two or more races. 2.46% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 299 households, out of which 30.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.2% were married couples living together, 11.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.4% were non-families. 24.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.58 and the average family size was 3.05.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 26.4% under the age of 18, 7.1% from 18 to 24, 27.3% from 25 to 44, 21.6% from 45 to 64, and 17.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.0 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $22,500, and the median income for a family was $27,321. Males had a median income of $28,250 versus $22,813 for females. The per capita income for the city was $10,845. About 19.2% of families and 25.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 39.0% of those under age 18 and 18.3% of those age 65 or over.

History
The town of Hartford was first called Gwynn when it was originally settled. Prior to 1900, the town saw the arrival of the Rock Island Railroad, and the town's name was changed to Hartford. Hartford was incorporated in 1900 and as a result, the old original town of Hartford, about one and a half miles west and named for a creek crossing belonging to the Hart family, is now generally referred to as "Old Town" or "West Hartford". According to Goodspeed's "History of Arkansas", William J. Fleming and William Stevenson opened the first store in West Hartford. By 1891 there were several businesses, a public school, and a Union Church edifice used respectively by Methodists, Baptists, and Cumberland Presbyterians.

The town of Hartford was incorporated February 28, 1900.

On April 2, 1912, Hartford elected a miner, Peter Stewart, as mayor. He was the first socialist mayor elected in Arkansas.

A labor conflict known the Hartford coal mine riot occurred in and around the town on July 12, 1914.

During the early half of the 20th century, the town was home to the Hartford Music Company, which published Gospel music and operated a singing school. The city was also home to significant mining activity, which has returned to a limited extent. Most farm owners have oil or gas pumps in farmland across the town. Hartford is the home of the last working coal mine in the state of Arkansas.

The town has views of both Sugarloaf and Poteau mountains.

Education
It is in the Hackett School District. Hackett High School is the district's sole comprehensive high school.

Hartford was previously in the Hartford School District. In 2014 the Hartford district agreed to merge into the Hackett district, effective 2015. Hartford High School was the Hartford district's comprehensive high school, staying with the Hackett District until its 2018 closure. Hartford Elementary, the elementary school, closed at the same time.

West Hartford
West Hartford is a populated place to the southwest, about halfway to the Oklahoma state border. The National Register of Historic Places-listed Sebastian County Road 4G Bridge is nearby.

title: Hartford, Arkansas


text:
Huntington, Arkansas

Huntington is a city in Sebastian County, Arkansas, United States. It is part of the Fort Smith, Arkansas-Oklahoma Metropolitan Statistical Area. As of the 2010 Census the population was 635.

History
Huntington began as a coal mining town. In 1887, The Missouri, Kansas, & Texas Coal Company surveyed the site and selected it as a townsite because coal was around the site, but not directly beneath it. The town was incorporated on February 4, 1888. The town was named after J. B. Huntington, a well-liked mine superintendent, who died after his horse jumped from a bridge over Cherokee Creek.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.7 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 688 people, 262 households, and 184 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,012.2 PD/sqmi. There were 298 housing units at an average density of 438.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 93.60% White, 0.15% Black or African American, 0.44% Native American, 1.89% from other races, and 3.92% from two or more races. 4.36% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 262 households, out of which 37.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.8% were married couples living together, 8.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.4% were non-families. 26.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.63 and the average family size was 3.19.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 28.3% under the age of 18, 7.7% from 18 to 24, 28.9% from 25 to 44, 22.7% from 45 to 64, and 12.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.9 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $30,703, and the median income for a family was $36,250. Males had a median income of $27,277 versus $15,781 for females. The per capita income for the city was $12,614. About 13.5% of families and 15.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 12.1% of those under age 18 and 20.7% of those age 65 or over.

Education
It is in the Mansfield School District. Mansfield High School is the district's comprehensive high school.

Notable people

 * Jake Freeze, Chicago White Sox pitcher

title: Huntington, Arkansas


text:
Lavaca, Arkansas

Lavaca is a city in Sebastian County, Arkansas, United States. It is part of the Fort Smith, Arkansas-Oklahoma Metropolitan Statistical Area. As of the 2010 Census the population was 2,289. Lavaca was incorporated in 1919.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 2.2 sqmi, all land.

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 2,450 people, 951 households, and 693 families residing in the city.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,825 people, 674 households, and 529 families residing in the city. The population density was 849.9 PD/sqmi. There were 718 housing units at an average density of 334.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 95.12% White, 0.16% Black or African American, 1.26% Native American, 1.21% from other races, and 2.25% from two or more races. 2.14% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 674 households, out of which 41.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 65.6% were married couples living together, 9.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 21.5% were non-families. 18.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.71 and the average family size was 3.09.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 28.9% under the age of 18, 9.2% from 18 to 24, 34.6% from 25 to 44, 18.6% from 45 to 64, and 8.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.3 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $39,427, and the median income for a family was $43,542. Males had a median income of $28,684 versus $22,500 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,917. About 7.5% of families and 8.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.2% of those under age 18 and 10.3% of those age 65 or over.

Elementary and secondary education
Public education for early childhood, elementary and secondary school students is provided primarily by the Lavaca School District, which leads to graduation from Lavaca High School. Lavaca High School was nationally recognized as a Bronze Medalist in the Best High Schools Report 2012 developed by U.S. News & World Report.

The district has undertaken construction projects to build a new school facilities for the high, middle and elementary schools. In 2010, the Lavaca Performing Arts Center was completed on the campus of Lavaca High School and is available to the city for community events.

Public libraries
The Scott Sebastian Regional Library system based in Greenwood maintains the Lavaca Branch Library that contains books, magazines, newspapers and multimedia.

title: Lavaca, Arkansas


text:
Midland, Arkansas

Midland is a town in Sebastian County, Arkansas, United States. It is part of the Fort Smith, Arkansas-Oklahoma Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 325 at the 2010 census.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 0.9 km$2$ (0.3 mi2), of which 0.8 km$2$ (0.3 mi2) is land and 0.1 km$2$ (0.04 mi2) (8.82%) is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 253 people, 96 households, and 72 families residing in the town. The population density was 305.3/km$2$ (795.7/mi2). There were 113 housing units at an average density of 136.3/km$2$ (355.4/mi2). The racial makeup of the town was 96.44% White, 0.40% Black or African American, 1.19% Native American, and 1.98% from two or more races. 1.98% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 96 households, out of which 38.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 63.5% were married couples living together, 9.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.0% were non-families. 20.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.64 and the average family size was 3.08.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 28.1% under the age of 18, 9.9% from 18 to 24, 25.3% from 25 to 44, 21.3% from 45 to 64, and 15.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 102.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.6 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $25,313, and the median income for a family was $28,500. Males had a median income of $24,688 versus $19,500 for females. The per capita income for the town was $13,552. About 13.2% of families and 14.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.5% of those under the age of eighteen and 16.2% of those 65 or over.

Education
It is in the Hackett School District. Hackett High School is the sole comprehensive high school.

Midland was previously in the Hartford School District. In 2014 the Hartford district agreed to merge into the Hackett district, effective 2015. Hartford High School was the Hartford district's comprehensive high school, staying with the Hackett District until its 2018 closure. Hartford Elementary, the elementary school, closed at the same time.

title: Midland, Arkansas


text:
Ben Lomond, Arkansas

Ben Lomond is a town in Sevier County, Arkansas, United States. The population was 145 at the 2010 census.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 10.2 km2, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 126 people, 58 households, and 40 families residing in the town. The population density was 12.4 /km2. There were 74 housing units at an average density of 7.3 /km2. The racial makeup of the town was 92.06% White, 1.59% Black or African American, 5.56% Native American, and 0.79% from two or more races. 0.79% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 58 households, out of which 22.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.6% were married couples living together, 8.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.0% were non-families. 29.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.17 and the average family size was 2.68.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 19.0% under the age of 18, 9.5% from 18 to 24, 19.0% from 25 to 44, 23.8% from 45 to 64, and 28.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 48 years. For every 100 females, there were 106.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.9 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $26,875, and the median income for a family was $43,750. Males had a median income of $64,375 versus $23,750 for females. The per capita income for the town was $14,580. There were 15.6% of families and 19.5% of the population living below the poverty line, including 26.5% of those under 18 and 19.5% of those over 65.

Transportation
While there is no transit service in Ben Lomond, intercity bus service is provided by Jefferson Lines in nearby Lockesburg.

title: Ben Lomond, Arkansas


text:
De Queen, Arkansas

De Queen is a city and the county seat of Sevier County, Arkansas, United States. The population was 6,629 at the 2010 census. The placename is the anglicization of the family name of the Dutch merchant and railway financier, Jan de Goeijen (1861–1944). De Goeijen was reportedly rather unhappy with the deformation of his name.

Geography
De Queen is located at 34.04°N, -94.34194°W (34.039994, −94.341964).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 5.7 sqmi, of which 5.6 sqmi is land and 0.1 sqmi (1.23%) is water.

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 6,105 people, 1,865 households, and 1,380 families residing in the city.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 6,629 people in De Queen. The median age was 29. The ethnic and racial composition of the population was 36.7% non-Hispanic white, 5.6% non-Hispanic black, 2.3% Native American, 0.7% Asian, 35.1% reporting some other race and 4.2% reporting two or more races. 53.5% of the population was Hispanic or Latino of any race.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 5,765 people, 1,913 households, and 1,377 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,024.7 PD/sqmi. There were 2,108 housing units at an average density of 374.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 66.40% White, 6.07% Black or African American, 2.38% Native American, 0.21% Asian, 0.10% Pacific Islander, 23.07% from other races, and 1.77% from two or more races. 38.59% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 1,913 households, out of which 39.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.7% were married couples living together, 13.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.0% were non-families. 24.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.93 and the average family size was 3.44.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 30.3% under the age of 18, 11.7% from 18 to 24, 28.3% from 25 to 44, 16.8% from 45 to 64, and 12.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 30 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.2 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $25,707, and the median income for a family was $31,582. Males had a median income of $21,542 versus $17,367 for females. The per capita income for the city was $12,968. About 21.3% of families and 26.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 36.7% of those under age 18 and 18.5% of those age 65 or over.

Climate
The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, De Queen has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.

Transportation
De Queen is served by US Route 70, US Route 71, and Arkansas State Highway 41.

Intercity bus service is available from Jefferson Lines.

De Queen has freight rail service through the De Queen and Eastern Railroad.

The J Lynn Helms Sevier County Airport (FAA ID: KDEQ), three miles west of town, has a 5001’ x 75’ paved runway.

Education
De Queen hosts a campus of the Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas. The college also provides non-credit coursework in adult education: GED classes, ESL training, test preparation, and computer literacy.

The DeQueen School District operates area public schools.

Historic places
De Queen has multiple locations on the National Register, including:
 * Bishop Brookes House
 * DeQueen & Eastern Railroad Machine Shop
 * DeQueen Commercial Historic District
 * First Presbyterian Church
 * Hayes Hardware Store
 * Otis Theodore and Effiegene Locke Wingo House
 * Tres Agaves

Notable people

 * J. Oscar Humphrey, Arkansas State Auditor from 1929 to 1935 and 1937 to 1956
 * Collin Raye, country music singer.
 * Wes Watkins, Oklahoma politician lived for a time in De Queen as a child.
 * Otis Wingo, member of the United States House of Representatives from Arkansas's 4th congressional district, practiced law in De Queen before his congressional career.

title: De Queen, Arkansas


text:
Gillham, Arkansas

Gillham is a town in Sevier County, Arkansas, United States. The population was 188 at the 2000 census. It is located six miles from Gillham Lake.

Geography
Gillham is located at 34.17°N, -94.31556°W (34.170083, -94.315529).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 2.3 km2, of which 2.2 km2 is land and 1.15% is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 188 people, 74 households, and 54 families residing in the town. The population density was 84.4 /km2. There were 86 housing units at an average density of 38.6 /km2. The racial makeup of the town was 89.36% White, 0.53% Native American, 1.06% Asian, 7.45% from other races, and 1.60% from two or more races. 10.64% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 74 households, out of which 36.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.4% were married couples living together, 10.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.0% were non-families. 20.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 4.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.54 and the average family size was 2.87.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 26.1% under the age of 18, 10.6% from 18 to 24, 30.3% from 25 to 44, 25.0% from 45 to 64, and 8.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 116.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 113.8 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $24,375, and the median income for a family was $24,375. Males had a median income of $25,469 versus $15,208 for females. The per capita income for the town was $10,758. About 16.0% of families and 23.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 34.9% of those under the age of 18 and 17.4% of those 65 or over.

Education
The DeQueen School District operates area public schools. The Gillham School District consolidated into the DeQueen district on July 1, 1986.

title: Gillham, Arkansas


text:
Horatio, Arkansas

Horatio is a city in Sevier County, Arkansas, United States. The population was 1,044 at the 2010 census.

History
Horatio was founded in 1895. For several years until at least 1905, Horatio was a sundown town, where African Americans were not allowed to live.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.8 sqmi, all land.

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 920 people, 375 households, and 252 families residing in the city.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 997 people, 377 households, and 265 families residing in the city. The population density was 546.0 PD/sqmi. There were 423 housing units at an average density of 231.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 84.95% White, 2.71% Black or African American, 1.81% Native American, 0.20% Asian, 8.53% from other races, and 1.81% from two or more races. 14.94% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 377 households, out of which 38.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.3% were married couples living together, 13.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.7% were non-families. 26.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.64 and the average family size was 3.22.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 31.2% under the age of 18, 6.7% from 18 to 24, 28.1% from 25 to 44, 18.3% from 45 to 64, and 15.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 89.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 84.4 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $27,419, and the median income for a family was $31,000. Males had a median income of $26,339 versus $15,547 for females. The per capita income for the city was $11,738. About 12.6% of families and 13.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.6% of those under age 18 and 22.1% of those age 65 or over.

Public education is provided to elementary and secondary students by the Horatio School District leading to graduation at Horatio High School (grades 7–12) after matriculating Horatio Elementary School (grades prekindergarten through sixth).

Transportation
While there is no transit service in Horatio, intercity bus service is provided by Jefferson Lines in nearby Lockesburg.

Notable person

 * DeAnn Vaught - Horatio farmer and Republican member since 2015 of the Arkansas House of Representatives for Sevier and Little River counties

title: Horatio, Arkansas


text:
Lockesburg, Arkansas

Lockesburg is a city in Sevier County, Arkansas, United States. The population was 739 at the 2010 census.

History
Though Lockesburg became the county seat on January 18, 1869, it was not incorporated until November 7, 1878. The land was donated by three members of a prominent local family—James, William, and Matthew Locke—and one Royal Appleton, for creation of a new county seat after an area of Sevier County was carved away to become part of newly created Little River County, and the existing county seat, Paraclifta, was no longer centrally located. The town’s growth was stunted when a major railroad bypassed the town for De Queen in 1897, along with a subsequent loss of county seat status to De Queen in 1905. But the timber industry served to boost the fortunes of the town in the 20th century.

Geography
Lockesburg is located at 33.96972°N, -94.17111°W (33.969852, -94.171034).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 3.5 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 711 people, 276 households, and 197 families residing in the town. The population density was 201.1 PD/sqmi. There were 328 housing units at an average density of 92.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 92.55% White, 4.50% Black or African American, 2.25% from other races, and 0.70% from two or more races. 2.95% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 276 households, out of which 37.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.2% were married couples living together, 10.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.6% were non-families. 25.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.58 and the average family size was 3.09.

In the town the population had 30.8% under the age of 18, 9.3% from 18 to 24, 26.7% from 25 to 44, 20.4% from 45 to 64, and 12.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 31 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.1 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $27,132, and the median income for a family was $31,625. Males had a median income of $25,729 versus $17,813 for females. The per capita income for the town was $12,092. About 11.3% of families and 19.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 22.4% of those under age 18 and 19.8% of those age 65 or over.

Transportation
Lockesburg is served by US Route 59, US Route 71, US Route 371, and Arkansas State Highway 24.

The town has intercity bus service through Jefferson Lines.

Lockesburg has rail freight service through the DeQueen and Eastern Railroad.

Commercial air service is available out of Texarkana Regional Airport, about 42 miles south-southeast.

Education
It is within the DeQueen School District. On July 1, 2006, the Lockesburg School District consolidated into the DeQueen District.

Historic places
Lockesburg has multiple locations on the National Register, including:
 * First United Methodist Church
 * Little Cossatot River Bridge
 * Lockesburg High School Gymnasium
 * Lockesburg Waterworks

title: Lockesburg, Arkansas


text:
Evening Shade, Arkansas

Evening Shade is a city in southwest Sharp County, Arkansas, United States. The population was 428 in 2020.

History
On March 6, 2022, a strong EF2 tornado struck the town, impacting two houses.

Name
Evening Shade was named in 1817 from the density of shade cast by the tall pine timber on an adjacent hill.

It has frequently been noted on lists of unusual place names.

Geography
Evening Shade is located at 36.07056°N, -91.62139°W (36.070507, -91.621411).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 1.6 sqmi, all land.

Climate
The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Evening Shade has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 465 people, 204 households, and 137 families residing in the town. The population density was 294.2 PD/sqmi. There were 244 housing units at an average density of 154.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 98.49% White, and 1.51% from two or more races. 0.22% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 204 households, out of which 28.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.9% were married couples living together, 10.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.8% were non-families. 31.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.28 and the average family size was 2.88.

In the town the population was spread out, with 25.2% under the age of 18, 6.7% from 18 to 24, 25.2% from 25 to 44, 24.9% from 45 to 64, and 18.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 86.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 84.1 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $24,500, and the median income for a family was $31,111. Males had a median income of $23,958 versus $15,833 for females. The per capita income for the town was $13,662. About 8.1% of families and 10.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.3% of those under age 18 and 23.2% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Public education for early childhood, elementary and secondary school students is available from the Cave City School District, which includes the Evening Shade Math & Science Academy (kindergarten through grade four) in Evening Shade, as well as Cave City Intermediate School, Cave City Middle School, and Cave City High School in Cave City.

On July 1, 2004, the Evening Shade School District was annexed into the Cave City School District.

In popular culture
Evening Shade was nominally the locale for the 1990-1994 TV series called Evening Shade, about a former pro football player who moves back to his Arkansas childhood home to coach the local school football team.

title: Evening Shade, Arkansas


text:
Hardy, Arkansas

Hardy is the 2nd oldest city in Sharp and Fulton counties in the U.S. state of Arkansas. The population was 765 in 2020.

Geography
Hardy is located at 36.32056°N, -91.48056°W (36.320553, -91.480645).

The Spring River, which begins in Mammoth Spring, flows through Hardy. The Spring River flows into the Black River, which flows into the White River, and the White River eventually empties into the Mississippi River.

U.S. Route 63 is the main highway which runs through the town. In its course through Arkansas, Route 63 runs from the Missouri state line at Mammoth Spring to connect with Interstate 55 near Gilmore.

When roads were poor and travel much more difficult, Hardy was one of two county seats of Sharp County. The other was Evening Shade. In 1963, Ash Flat was named the county seat, and Hardy and Evening Shade lost that designation.

Hardy is served by the BNSF Railway. Formerly, the railroad through Hardy was part of the Frisco (St. Louis – San Francisco Railway) which had about 5000 mi of trackage, and served Arkansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, and Florida. In 1980, the much larger Burlington Northern acquired the Frisco and integrated it into its own system.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 14.0 km2, of which 13.4 km2 is land and 0.6 km2, or 4.63%, is water.

History
In the early 1950s, the Horrell and Clay families both had grocery stores there. Conway Horn ran a general mercantile store. Charles Cone ran the Western Auto Store. Two places to eat were Bonnie's Cafe and Mrs. Rogers' sundries store. Arthur Snow was a pharmacist and owned a drugstore. The agent for the Frisco Railroad was Virgil L. Walker, Jr. Dink Booth was the barber. The Thomsons ran the movie theater, and Ben Dalton published a newspaper. Ottie Cate ran a poultry and ice house, and Bill Shaver had the Standard Oil service station. Tom Walker was in charge of the local bank, and Woodrow Wilson ran a Mobil service station. "Peavine" Clouse was the city marshal. "Guinea" Gray was a local painter, and Clifford Brummet had the contract to carry the mail between the post office and the arriving trains. He also had a farm near Hardy. Arthur Garner sold real estate. Dewey Dark ran the Rose Hill Resort. Doctor Miller was a local medical doctor. Leonard Johns worked at the Post Office.

The Discovery Channel reality television series Clash of the Ozarks is set in Hardy. The program focuses on the lives of the people in the community.

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 743 people, 352 households, and 181 families residing in the city.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 578 people, 298 households, and 159 families residing in the city. The population density was 244.7 PD/sqmi. There were 489 housing units at an average density of 207.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 95.33% White, 1.04% Native American, 0.52% Asian, and 3.11% from two or more races. 0.52% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 298 households, of which 17.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 40.9% were married couples living together, 9.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 46.6% were non-families. 43.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 23.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.94 and the average family size was 2.67.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 16.8% under the age of 18, 6.9% from 18 to 24, 20.4% from 25 to 44, 27.9% from 45 to 64, and 28.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 49 years. For every 100 females, there were 79.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 73.6 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $17,375, and the median income for a family was $25,500. Males had a median income of $20,208 versus $17,857 for females. The per capita income for the city was $12,204. About 12.2% of families and 23.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 23.6% of those under age 18 and 28.6% of those age 65 or over.

Education
It is served by the Highland School District, which operates Highland High School. The Highland district was formed from the 1962 consolidation of the Ash Flat School District and the Hardy School District. Due to the previous rivalry between the two districts, some members of the community were unsure whether the vote to consolidate would succeed.

Notable people

 * The Wilburn Brothers Doyle and Teddy born here in 1930 and 1931.

title: Hardy, Arkansas


text:
Highland, Arkansas

Highland is a city in Sharp County, Arkansas, United States. The city was incorporated in 1998 and is located in Sharp County. It is the fourth largest city in Sharp County with a population of 1,015 in 2021

Geography
Highland is located at 36.26972°N, -91.52167°W (36.269749, -91.521773).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 23.1 km2, of which 22.9 km2 is land and 0.2 sqkm, or 0.66%, is water.

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 982 people, 454 households, and 277 families residing in the city.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 986 people, 403 households, and 309 families residing in the city. The population density was 112.8 PD/sqmi. There were 501 housing units at an average density of 57.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.07% White, 0.41% Native American, 0.20% Asian, 0.10% from other races, and 1.22% from two or more races. 1.42% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 403 households, out of which 29.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.3% were married couples living together, 10.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 23.1% were non-families. 20.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.45 and the average family size was 2.78.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 24.3% under the age of 18, 6.1% from 18 to 24, 23.3% from 25 to 44, 25.7% from 45 to 64, and 20.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females, there were 98.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.3 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $28,929, and the median income for a family was $32,788. Males had a median income of $25,357 versus $15,938 for females. The per capita income for the city was $14,589. About 13.0% of families and 18.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 25.2% of those under age 18 and 9.6% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Public education for elementary and secondary school students is provided by Highland School District, which leads to graduation from Highland High School. Highland School Districts serves Ash Flat, Hardy, Highland and Cherokee Village.

title: Highland, Arkansas


text:
Sidney, Arkansas

Sidney is a town in Sharp County, Arkansas, United States. The population was 181 at the 2010 census.

Geography
Sidney is located at 36.00444°N, -91.65917°W (36.004326, -91.659115).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 2.2 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 275 people, 80 households, and 58 families residing in the town. The population density was 126.4 PD/sqmi. There were 94 housing units at an average density of 43.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 97.09% White, 1.09% Native American, and 1.82% from two or more races. 0.73% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 80 households, out of which 32.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.5% were married couples living together, 10.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.5% were non-families. 26.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.61 and the average family size was 3.05.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 21.5% under the age of 18, 6.9% from 18 to 24, 20.4% from 25 to 44, 18.2% from 45 to 64, and 33.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 46 years. For every 100 females, there were 66.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 66.2 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $22,000, and the median income for a family was $23,125. Males had a median income of $19,375 versus $12,361 for females. The per capita income for the town was $8,926. About 2.0% of families and 11.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 7.7% of those under the age of eighteen and 14.8% of those 65 or over.

Education
It is in the Evening Shade School District.

title: Sidney, Arkansas


text:
Williford, Arkansas

Williford is a town in Sharp County, Arkansas, United States. The population was 70 in 2020

Geography
Williford is located at 36.25167°N, -91.35917°W (36.251586, -91.359232).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 0.9 km$2$ (0.3 mi2), all land.

Climate
The warmest summers that Williford has witnessed occurred in 1998, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 63 people, 32 households, and 18 families residing in the town. The population density was 71.5/km$2$ (187.3/mi2). There were 46 housing units at an average density of 52.2/km$2$ (136.8/mi2). The racial makeup of the town was 96.83% White, and 3.17% from two or more races.

There were 32 households, out of which 25.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.8% were married couples living together, 6.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 43.8% were non-families. 40.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 18.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.97 and the average family size was 2.61.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 19.0% under the age of 18, 9.5% from 18 to 24, 27.0% from 25 to 44, 27.0% from 45 to 64, and 17.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females, there were 110.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 112.5 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $11,875, and the median income for a family was $20,000. Males had a median income of $11,250 versus $11,250 for females. The per capita income for the town was $27,942. There were 30.0% of families and 29.6% of the population living below the poverty line, including 71.4% of those under 18 and none of those over 64.

Education
It is within the Highland School District which operates Highland High School.

It was served by the Williford School District until July 1, 2004, when it consolidated with the Randolph County School District to form the Twin Rivers School District. On July 1, 2010, the Twin Rivers district was dissolved. Twin Rivers district previously operated the Williford Campus.

The first school in the community opened in a building also used for church services. A dedicated building opened in 1890, and replacements opened circa 1915 and the early 1930s. The final elementary building opened in 1971.

title: Williford, Arkansas


text:
Caldwell, Arkansas

Caldwell is a town in St. Francis County, Arkansas, United States. The population was 555 at the 2010 census, an increase from 465 in 2000.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 7.8 km2, of which 7.8 km2 is land and 0.1 km2 (0.66%) is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 465 people, 174 households, and 140 families residing in the town. The population density was 59.6 /km2. There were 190 housing units at an average density of 24.4 /km2. The racial makeup of the town was 82.80% White, 15.05% Black or African American, 0.43% Native American, 1.51% Asian, and 0.22% from two or more races. 0.65% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 174 households, out of which 35.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 70.7% were married couples living together, 8.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 19.0% were non-families. 15.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.67 and the average family size was 2.99.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 25.4% under the age of 18, 8.6% from 18 to 24, 28.0% from 25 to 44, 24.7% from 45 to 64, and 13.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.8 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $38,594, and the median income for a family was $46,250. Males had a median income of $31,806 versus $21,500 for females. The per capita income for the town was $16,889. About 9.9% of families and 15.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 26.4% of those under age 18 and 16.3% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Forrest City School District operates public schools serving the community. Forrest City High School is the local high school.

title: Caldwell, Arkansas


text:
Colt, Arkansas

Colt is a town and an unincorporated area in St. Francis County, Arkansas, United States. The population was 378 at the 2010 census, an increase from 368 in 2000.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 1.2 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
At the 2000 census, there were 368 people, 163 households and 111 families residing in the town. The population density was 295.2 PD/sqmi. There were 188 housing units at an average density of 150.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 94.02% White, 5.43% Black or African American, 0.54% from other races. 0.54% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 163 households, of which 27.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.8% were married couples living together, 7.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.9% were non-families. 30.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.26 and the average family size was 2.77.

Age distribution was 22.8% under the age of 18, 9.2% from 18 to 24, 29.3% from 25 to 44, 24.7% from 45 to 64, and 13.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.5 males.

The median household income was $31,250, and the median family income was $37,000. Males had a median income of $31,000 versus $19,375 for females. The per capita income for the town was $14,958. About 11.7% of families and 13.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 19.5% of those under age 18 and 15.9% of those age 65 or over.

Transportation
The main Highways of Colt are Arkansas State Routes 1 and 306. The two routes cross each other in the middle of the town. The Delta Regional Airport serves as the city's primary airport. Rail Service is provided by the Union Pacific.

Education
Forrest City School District operates public schools serving the community. Forrest City High School is the local high school.

Notable people

 * Abraham Miller—Member of the Arkansas State House of Representatives
 * Charlie Rich—multiple Grammy Award winning country artist was born in Colt.

title: Colt, Arkansas


text:
Forrest City, Arkansas

Forrest City is a city in St. Francis County, Arkansas, United States, and the county seat. It was named for General Nathan Bedford Forrest, a notable Confederate war hero. Shortly after the end of the Civil War, he had a construction crew camped here, who were completing a railroad between Memphis and Little Rock. The population was 15,371 at the 2010 census, an increase from 14,774 in 2000. The city identifies as the "Jewel of the Delta".

19th century
On October 13, 1827, St. Francis County, located in the east central part of Arkansas, was officially organized by the Arkansas Territorial Legislature in Little Rock.

Nathan Bedford Forrest, a Confederate General and first Grand Wizard of the Ku Klux Klan, became interested in the area around Crowley's Ridge during the American Civil War. In 1866, General Forrest and C. C. McCreanor contracted to finish the Memphis & Little Rock Railroad from Madison located on the St. Francis River to DeValls Bluff on the west bank of the White River. The route traversed the challenging Crowley's Ridge and L'Anguille River bottoms. In 1868, train service through Forrest City was established.

Forrest later built a commissary on Front Street. Colonel V.B. Izard began the task of designing the town at the same time. Most residents were calling the area "Forrest's Town," which was later named Forrest City and was incorporated on May 11, 1870.

The county seat was initially located in the now defunct town of Franklin until 1840, when it was moved to Madison. In 1855 it was moved to Mount Vernon where the court house burned in 1856 destroying county records. This prompted a move back to Madison. The county seat was moved to Forrest City in 1874, where the courthouse was assigned to a wooden structure. When it burned shortly thereafter, county records were again destroyed.

In 1889, the city was the site of a white race riot that resulted in their expulsion of African American leaders.

20th century
The Imperial Council of Jugamos, a fraternal organization of African Americans founded in 1910 by Wallace Leon Purifoy had its headquarters in Forrest City. The Forrest City Herald printed its constitution in 1916. The New Castle Herald noted the group and its officers in 1919.

In 1940, Forrest City was a stop for the Choctaw Rocket, a passenger train operated by the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad. Service was discontinued in 1964. Evidence that giant mastodons roamed the slope was revealed in 1949 when workmen excavating for sewer improvements found bones of the massive beasts within the city limits.

In 1988, Forrest City High School held its first integrated prom. After school integration was ordered in the mid-1960s, Forrest City eliminated school-sponsored dances and social activities. For 23 years, social clubs and individual families had organized a racially segregated prom.

21st century
In 2018, the city elected Cedric Williams as mayor; Williams is the third African American mayor in the city's history.

Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 16.3 sqmi, 16.2 sqmi of which is land and 0.1 sqmi (0.37%) of which is water.

Forrest City is located on Crowley's Ridge, a geological phenomenon that rises above the flat Mississippi Delta terrain that surrounds it. This north-south running highland is some three miles wide and 300 feet above sea level. Several species of trees not indigenous to Arkansas are found here, including beech, butternut, sugar maple, and cucumber trees.

2020 census
As of the 2020 U.S. census, there were 13,015 people, 4,358 households, and 2,655 families residing in the city.

Government and infrastructure
The Federal Bureau of Prisons Federal Correctional Complex, Forrest City is in Forrest City.

The United States Postal Service operates the Forrest City Post Office.

Woodruff Electric Cooperative, a non-profit rural electric utility cooperative, is headquartered in Forrest City.

Local landmarks
The Forrest City Chamber of Commerce is located in the 100-year-old Becker House. This house has served a variety of functions since being sold by the Becker family. It was an antique store and later a home furnishings boutique before being occupied by the Chamber.

Forrest City had five sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places including:
 * Campbell House
 * First United Methodist
 * Forrest City High School (aka, "Old Central")
 * Mann House
 * Stuart Springs

Education
Forrest City School District operates public schools, including Forrest City High School.

Circa 2014 KIPP Delta established the grade 5-8 KIPP Forrest City College Preparatory School in Forrest City, which occupied several temporary buildings and a portion of a Catholic church which had a lease agreement with KIPP. In 2018 KIPP Delta asked the State of Arkansas for permission to close KIPP Forrest City and send students to the Helena-West Helena facility.

Notable people

 * Barrett Astin, former professional baseball player, Cincinnati Reds
 * Little Buddy Doyle, blues guitarist, singer and songwriter
 * Lewis P. Featherstone, former U.S. Representative
 * Al Green, singer and minister
 * Willie Hale, rhythm and blues guitarist, singer and songwriter
 * John W. Henry, principal owner, Boston Red Sox
 * Chris Hicky, music video director
 * Mark W. Izard, 3rd Governor of the Nebraska Territory
 * Jason Jones, professional football player
 * Don Kessinger, born in Forrest City, professional baseball player and manager.
 * Albert King, blues artist
 * Henry Loeb, mayor of Memphis, Tennessee
 * Cara McCollum, 2013 Miss New Jersey
 * Gilbert Morris, award-winning Christian author
 * King Perry, jazz saxophonist, clarinetist, arranger, and bandleader
 * Jimmy Rogers, football player
 * Cal Slayton, comic book artist
 * Vernon Sykes, member of Ohio House of Representatives
 * Dwight Tosh, Republican member of the Arkansas House of Representatives
 * Winston P. Wilson, U.S. Air Force Major General and Chief of the National Guard Bureau
 * Dennis Winston, professional football player
 * G. Wood, one of four actors to appear in both the 1970 film M*A*S*H and the television series M*A*S*H.
 * Marshall Wright, former member of the Arkansas House of Representatives

title: Forrest City, Arkansas