text:
Bauxite, Arkansas

Bauxite is a city in Saline County, Arkansas, United States. Located within Central Arkansas, the city is named for bauxite, the source ore for aluminum, which was found in abundant quantities in the area and became a source of aluminium refining. The city's population boomed during expanded aluminium production during World War II and shrank rapidly with output of the ore. Bauxite was incorporated as a town in 1973. The population was 487 at the 2010 census.

History
The ore for which the city is named was discovered in the area in the early 1890s and mined by the General Bauxite Company until 1905, when the Pittsburgh Reduction Company, an aluminum refining company, purchased vast tracts of land in Saline County after learning of the high-quality ore that was being shipped from the area. The company bought out the local producers of the ore, including the General Bauxite Company. Pittsburgh Reduction would go on to incorporate as the Aluminum Company of America, or ALCOA.

Production of the ore rose rapidly, growing from 200000 ST in 1914 during World War I, to 560000 ST by war's end in 1918. With decreased demand and an expanded source base in South America, Arkansas production levels fluctuated with demand, dropping as low as 60000 ST per annum in the mid-1930s.

World War I provided the greatest surge in growth for Bauxite, with multiple camps developing in and around the present-day city, often segregated by race or ethnicity, with such camp names as Italy Camp, Mexico Camp, Africa Camp, etc. Throughout the Great Depression, ALCOA provided a standard of living for its employees that was generally un-matched during that period of economic turbulence.

When World War II broke out, Bauxite was again called into martial action, with production rapidly increasing with the need for refined aluminum to produce airplanes and other material. Donald M. Nelson, the Chairman of the WPA, requested that ALCOA president, Arthur V. Davis implement a three-shift, 24-hour production schedule. Davis brought in miners from across the country to keep the mines running continuously. This rapid rise in output led to a 1943 annual production of 6000000 ST of ore.

Production began to slow as the war drew to a close, but the city's population and infrastructure had swelled to include multiple new communities and a larger school district. ALCOA and Reynolds Metal Company continued to refine bauxite in the area, with Reynolds finally ceasing operations in 1981.

Geography
Bauxite is located in Saline County in south central Arkansas. Situated along Arkansas Highway 183 which also runs through Benton and Bryant, Bauxite is bordered on that path by Benton to the west and Bryant to the north. The city is 14 miles southwest of Little Rock. According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 2.5 sqmi, of which 2.4 sqmi is land and 0.1 sqmi (2.45%) is water.

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 629 people, 214 households, and 173 families residing in the town.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 432 people, 161 households, and 127 families residing in the town. The population density was 180.6 PD/sqmi. There were 171 housing units at an average density of 71.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 97.45% White, 0.69% Native American, 0.23% Asian, and 1.62% from two or more races. 2.31% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 161 households, out of which 37.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 62.1% were married couples living together, 14.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 20.5% were non-families. 17.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.68 and the average family size was 3.05.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 25.9% under the age of 18, 7.6% from 18 to 24, 29.2% from 25 to 44, 24.8% from 45 to 64, and 12.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.8 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $35,347, and the median income for a family was $37,153. Males had a median income of $28,500 versus $24,167 for females. The per capita income for the city was $14,406. About 8.5% of families and 11.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.4% of those under age 18 and 11.3% of those age 65 or over.

Arts and culture
In 1926, ALCOA built a community center in traditional Colonial style to serve as a boarding house and gathering place for the mining community in the town. The structure still stands, and houses the Bauxite Museum, an informal collection of photographs, documents, and mining equipment from the mining era. In 2008, the museum erected "Unsung Heroes," a life-size series of bronze statues sculpted by Gary Alsum at the property's corner. The sculptures depict a traditional mining family, with a man preparing to leave for work at the bauxite mines. The community center is available to the general public for rental and event usage.

As with many cities and towns in Arkansas, football is important in the Bauxite community as both a social event and source of pride for the city's identity. Bauxite High School has a storied football program which began around 1920. The Bauxite Miners football team won 24 conference championships, appeared in two state title games and won the state championship in 1996. Bauxite has produced many standout players throughout its history. George Cole, (1920-1923) who went on to coach and become athletic director at the University of Arkansas, and Leon "Muscles" Campbell (1943-1945) who played for the NFL's Baltimore Colts, Chicago Bears, and Pittsburgh Steelers, both played at Bauxite.

In recent history, head football coach Jon Watson led the Miners for nearly two decades before retiring in 2010. During his coaching career with Bauxite, which lasted from 1990 until his retirement, he compiled a 177-55-1 record. Watson now ranks seventh overall in victories for high school football coaches in Arkansas. The program currently plays in the 7-4A conference of the Arkansas Activities Association.

Government
Bauxite operates under a city council system with a mayor as the presiding executive officer. The current (as of April 6, 2021) mayor is Eddie Jones. Other elected officials include treasurer Renee Chastain, and council members Ron Parsons, John Davis, Ron Ramsey, Deann Watson, and John Simpson.

Politics
As a part of rural Saline County and a bedroom community to Little Rock, Bauxite has an often convoluted political dynamic. Previously represented by Democratic State Senator Shane Broadway and Representative Dawn Creekmoore, in the 2010 election cycle, Bauxite's representation switched to all-Republican with the election of former State Representative Jeremy Hutchinson and Andy Mayberry to the State Senate and House, respectively. In the Bauxite city precinct, Creekmore narrowly lost to Hutchinson 51%-49%, while Mayberry beat his Democratic challenger by a 76% to 24% margin. Democrats Governor Mike Beebe (who was running for re-election) and Broadway, who was running for Lieutenant Governor of the state, each won by at least 20 percentage points in the city during the 2010 election.

Education
Bauxite has three public schools, which belong to the Bauxite School District, an independent school district which was subject to consolidation under Governor Mike Huckabee's school consolidation plan, but managed to maintain its autonomy after a public outcry from the community. The school district consists of:
 * Pine Haven Elementary, located in the old Pine Haven community established during World War II
 * Bauxite Middle School
 * Bauxite High School, built in 2001, replacing a Depression-era Works Progress Administration-built school that was destroyed by fire in January of that year

A small portion of the city is in the Bryant School District, which operates Bryant High School.

Notable people

 * George W. Bond, president of Louisiana Tech University from 1928 to 1936.
 * Leon Campbell, star fullback at the University of Arkansas
 * George Cole, University of Arkansas head football coach
 * Susan Dunn, Grammy Award-winning operatic soprano
 * Robert M. Utley, author and historian

title: Bauxite, Arkansas


text:
Benton, Arkansas

Benton is a city in and the county seat of Saline County, Arkansas, United States and a suburb of Little Rock. It was established in 1837. At the 2020 census, the city had a population of 35,014, making it the 12th most populous city in Arkansas. It is part of the Little Rock–North Little Rock–Conway Metropolitan Statistical Area. The city of Benton, first settled in 1833 and named after Missouri Senator Thomas Hart Benton, was formally chartered in 1836 when Arkansas became a state.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 18.4 sqmi, of which 17.9 sqmi is land and 0.5 sqmi (2.71%) is water.

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, Benton has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 35,014 people, 13,082 households, and 8,913 families residing in the city.

2000 census
At the 2000 census there were 21,906 people in 8,713 households, including 6,186 families, in the city. The population density was 1,221.2 PD/sqmi. There were 9,315 housing units at an average density of 519.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 92.81% White, 4.46% Black or African American, 0.39% Native American, 0.56% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 0.75% from other races, and 1.19% from two or more races. 1.90% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. Of the 8,713 households 33.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.9% were married couples living together, 11.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.0% were non-families. The average household size was 2.46 and the average family size was 2.95.

The age distribution was 25.3% under the age of 18, 8.8% from 18 to 24, 29.8% from 25 to 44, 21.5% from 45 to 64, and 14.7% 65 or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 91.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.1 males.

The median household income was $41,503 and the median family income was $51,064. Males had a median income of $32,493 versus $22,386 for females. The per capita income for the city was $19,797. About 5.8% of families and 8.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.9% of those under age 18 and 11.5% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Public education for early childhood, elementary and secondary students is provided by: A small area near Frontage Road to the southeast is physically in the Harmony Grove School District, which operates Benton Harmony Grove High School.
 * Benton School District, which leads to graduation from Benton High School (majority of the city)
 * Bryant Public Schools, which operates Bryant High School
 * Bauxite School District

Notable people

 * Ann Clemmer – Republican former member of the Arkansas House of Representatives
 * Lanny Fite – Ann Clemmer's successor in the state House District 23; former Saline County county judge
 * Wes Gardner – Former relief pitcher for the New York Mets, Boston Red Sox, and others
 * Stuart Greer – film and television actor, is a part-time resident
 * Kim Hammer – Republican member of the Arkansas House of Representatives from District 28 in Saline County
 * Kenneth Henderson – Republican member of the Arkansas House for Pope County; former Benton resident
 * Cliff Lee – Major League Baseball's 2008 American League Cy Young Award winner for the Cleveland Indians
 * Ewell Ross McCright – World War II POW
 * Justin Moore – country artist, born in nearby Poyen, currently resides in Benton
 * Joe Purcell – Arkansas governor for six days in 1979; Democratic lieutenant governor and attorney general
 * Charlie Rich – Multiple Grammy Award winning country artist

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

title: Benton, Arkansas


text:
Bryant, Arkansas

Bryant is a city in Saline County, Arkansas, United States and a suburb of Little Rock. According to the 2010 Census, the population of the city was 16,688. It is part of the Central Arkansas region.

History
European settlers established themselves along Hurricane Creek in the early 19th century. A skirmish in the area occurred during the American Civil War. Rail service in the 1870s brought development. The town was hard hit by economic struggles in the early 20th century and through the Great Depression. World War II era saw development as demand for the area's bauxite grew.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 9.1 sqmi, of which 9.1 sqmi is land and 0.04 sqmi (0.33%) is water.

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 20,663 people, 8,203 households, and 5,260 families residing in the city.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 9,764 people, 3,601 households, and 2,823 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,076.4 PD/sqmi. There were 3,762 housing units at an average density of 414.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 95.2% White, 1.5% Black or African American, 0.34% Native American, 1.05% Asian, 0.37% from other races, and 0.84% from two or more races. 1.05% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 3,601 households, out of which 42.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 63.9% were married couples living together, 11.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 21.6% were non-families. 19.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.65 and the average family size was 3.03.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 27.9% under the age of 18, 7.1% from 18 to 24, 32.7% from 25 to 44, 21.8% from 45 to 64, and 10.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 89.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.5 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $48,870, and the median income for a family was $56,038. Males had a median income of $39,380 versus $26,261 for females. The per capita income for the city was $20,730. About 3.5% of families and 4.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 6.1% of those under age 18 and 8.0% of those age 65 or over.

Water supply
Bryant purchases treated surface water from Lake Maumelle and Lake Winona from Central Arkansas Water.

Government and infrastructure
The Arkansas Department of Human Services Arkansas Juvenile Assessment & Treatment Center (AJATC) is located in Bryant.

The U.S. Postal Service operates the Bryant Post Office.

Education
Public education for elementary and secondary school students is provided by the Bryant School District, with students graduating from Bryant High School.

Notable people

 * Karen Aston - women's basketball head coach, University of Texas
 * Sean Michel - Musician
 * Travis Wood - Major League Baseball pitcher

title: Bryant, Arkansas


text:
East End, Arkansas

East End is a census-designated place (CDP) in Saline County, Arkansas, United States. The population was 6,998 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Little Rock–North Little Rock–Conway Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography
East End's nearest neighboring communities are Landmark, Shannon Hills, Bauxite and Sheridan.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 20.3 sqmi, of which 20.1 sqmi is land and 0.2 sqmi (1.13%) is water.

East End has been the home of Marylake Carmelite Monastery since the 1950s.

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 7,137 people, 2,401 households, and 1,787 families residing in the CDP.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 5,623 people, 2,049 households, and 1,643 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 279.6 PD/sqmi. There were 2,170 housing units at an average density of 107.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 95.87% White, 0.87% Black or African American, 0.66% Native American, 0.87% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 0.32% from other races, and 1.35% from two or more races. 1.28% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 2,049 households, out of which 41.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 67.1% were married couples living together, 9.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 19.8% were non-families. 15.9% 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 2.74 and the average family size was 3.06.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 28.1% under the age of 18, 7.7% from 18 to 24, 33.4% from 25 to 44, 24.4% from 45 to 64, and 6.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 103.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.8 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $46,678, and the median income for a family was $49,649. Males had a median income of $31,396 versus $24,831 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $19,198. About 4.3% of families and 6.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.3% of those under age 18 and 7.7% of those age 65 or over.

Education
East End's schools are part of the Sheridan School District. The East End schools include East End Elementary grades K-2, East End Intermediate grades 3–5, and East End Middle grades 6–8.

title: East End, Arkansas


text:
Haskell, Arkansas

Haskell is a city in Saline County, Arkansas, United States. The population was 3,990 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Little Rock–North Little Rock–Conway Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 4.6 sqmi, of which 4.6 sqmi is land and 0.04 sqmi (0.43%) is water.

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 3,956 people, 1,197 households, and 931 families residing in the city.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 2,645 people, 724 households, and 563 families residing in the city. The population density was 572.4 PD/sqmi. There were 762 housing units at an average density of 164.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 89.07% White, 8.77% Black or African American, 0.72% Native American, 0.23% Asian, 0.19% from other races, and 1.02% from two or more races. 1.36% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 724 households, out of which 42.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.2% were married couples living together, 12.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 22.2% were non-families. 18.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.66 and the average family size was 3.03.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 21.8% under the age of 18, 8.5% from 18 to 24, 36.4% from 25 to 44, 20.9% from 45 to 64, and 12.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 126.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 131.7 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $33,583, and the median income for a family was $38,438. Males had a median income of $28,547 versus $21,346 for females. The per capita income for the city was $13,692. About 12.7% of families and 22.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 18.0% of those under age 18 and 16.3% of those age 65 or over.

Education
It is in the Harmony Grove School District, which operates Harmony Grove High School.

title: Haskell, Arkansas


text:
Salem, Saline County, Arkansas

Salem is a census-designated place (CDP) in Saline County, Arkansas, United States. Per the 2020 census, the population was 2,544. It is part of the Little Rock–North Little Rock–Conway Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 3.2 square miles (8.4 km2), of which 3.2 square miles (8.2 km2) is land and 0.05 square mile (0.1 km2) (1.52%) is water.

2020 census
''Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos can be of any race.''

2000 Census
As of the census of 2000, there were 2,789 people, 1,069 households, and 857 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 815.3 PD/sqmi. There were 1,096 housing units at an average density of 320.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 98.03% White, 0.32% Black or African American, 0.47% Native American, 0.18% Asian, 0.36% from other races, and 0.65% from two or more races. 1.08% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 1,069 households, out of which 34.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 68.8% were married couples living together, 8.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 19.8% were non-families. 17.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.5% 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 2.94.

In the CDP the population was spread out, with 24.7% under the age of 18, 8.0% from 18 to 24, 29.2% from 25 to 44, 27.5% from 45 to 64, and 10.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females there were 99.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.7 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $44,681, and the median income for a family was $52,216. Males had a median income of $33,207 versus $26,337 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $21,301. About 3.9% of families and 3.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 6.9% of those under age 18 and none of those age 65 or over.

Education
Public education for early childhood, elementary and secondary school students is provided by

 * Benton School District, which leads to graduation from Benton High School.
 * Bryant Public Schools, which leads to graduation from Bryant High School.

Notable person

 * Lanny Fite, Republican member of the Arkansas House of Representatives from Saline County

title: Salem, Saline County, Arkansas


text:
Shannon Hills, Arkansas

Shannon Hills is a city in Saline County, Arkansas, United States. The population was 3,143 at the 2010 census, rising to 4,490 with the 2020 census. It is part of the Little Rock–North Little Rock–Conway Metropolitan Statistical Area.

History
The area that would become Shannon Hills remained undeveloped until circa 1960, when housing development started. In 1977, residents voted to incorporate in part to avoid annexation into Little Rock.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.5 sqmi, all land.

Government
The city uses a city council governance model, with the council acting as the legislative and policy making body of the city. The council consists of a treasurer, recorder, and six alderman, with the mayor as a tie-breaker.

Mayor Mike Kemp has been in office since 2010, following the resignation of Lawrence Davis, who served for about 10 years until he pled guilty to not filing his taxes from the 1996-2009.

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 4,490 people, 1,200 households, and 880 families residing in the city.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 2,005 people, 748 households, and 594 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,327.8 PD/sqmi. There were 784 housing units at an average density of 519.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 92.02% White, 3.94% Black or African American, 0.85% Native American, 0.75% Asian, 0.90% from other races, and 1.55% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.04% of the population.

There were 748 households, out of which 38.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.6% were married couples living together, 13.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 20.5% were non-families. 16.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 4.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.68 and the average family size was 2.98.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 27.4% under the age of 18, 9.5% from 18 to 24, 34.1% from 25 to 44, 21.7% from 45 to 64, and 7.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.5 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $40,068, and the median income for a family was $43,021. Males had a median income of $31,184 versus $21,875 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,292. About 6.7% of families and 6.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 7.6% of those under the age of 18 and 7.0% of those 65 and older.

Education
Most of Shannon Hills is in the Bryant School District, which operates Bryant High School.

A portion is in the Pulaski County Special School District, which extends into Saline County. This part is zoned to Landmark Elementary School, Mills Middle School and Wilbur D. Mills High School.

title: Shannon Hills, Arkansas


text:
Traskwood, Arkansas

Traskwood is a city in Saline County, Arkansas, United States. The population was 518 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Little Rock–North Little Rock–Conway Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 14.7 km$2$ (5.7 mi2), of which 14.6 km$2$ (5.7 mi2) is land and 0.18% is water.

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 495 people, 147 households, and 94 families residing in the city.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 548 people, 203 households, and 149 families residing in the town. The population density was 37.4/km$2$ (97.1/mi2). There were 211 housing units at an average density of 14.4/km$2$ (37.4/mi2). The racial makeup of the town was 97.26% White, 0.73% Black or African American, 0.18% Native American, 0.73% from other races, and 1.09% from two or more races. 1.28% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 203 households, out of which 34.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.1% were married couples living together, 9.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.6% were non-families. 23.6% 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 2.70 and the average family size was 3.18.

In the town the population was spread out, with 29.6% under the age of 18, 8.9% from 18 to 24, 27.2% from 25 to 44, 24.5% from 45 to 64, and 9.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.9 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $33,929, and the median income for a family was $40,500. Males had a median income of $27,750 versus $21,042 for females. The per capita income for the town was $13,555. About 12.8% of families and 18.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 28.7% of those under age 18 and 5.5% of those age 65 or over.

Education
It is in the Glen Rose School District.

title: Traskwood, Arkansas


text:
Mansfield, Arkansas

Mansfield is a city in Scott and Sebastian counties Arkansas, United States. The Sebastian County portion of the city is part of the Fort Smith, Arkansas-Oklahoma Metropolitan Statistical Area. As of the 2010 Census, the population was 1,139. The population was 1,097 at the 2000 census.

History
Mansfield was platted in 1887 when the railroad was extended to that point. The city most likely was named for William W. Mansfield, a Justice of the Arkansas Supreme Court.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 2.2 sqmi, of which 2.2 sqmi is land and 0.04 sqmi (0.89%) is water.

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 1,053 people, 473 households, and 344 families residing in the city.

2013
As of the census of 2013, there were 1,121 people in 440 households, including 289 families, in the city. The population density was 493.2 PD/sqmi. There were 505 housing units at an average density of 227.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 95.81% White, 0.09% Black or African American, 1.09% Native American, 0.46% Asian, 0.91% from other races, and 1.64% from two or more races. 3.37% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

Of the 440 households 33.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.3% were married couples living together, 10.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.3% were non-families. 31.6% of households were one person and 15.7% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.49 and the average family size was 3.13.

The age distribution was 27.9% under the age of 18, 10.7% from 18 to 24, 28.5% from 25 to 44, 18.7% from 45 to 64, and 14.2% 65 or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 91.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.0 males.

The median household income was $26,938 and the median family income was $35,000. Males had a median income of $28,534 versus $19,063 for females. The per capita income for the city was $13,012. About 13.2% of families and 18.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 32.1% of those under age 18 and 12.9% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Public education for early childhood, elementary and secondary students are zoned to attend Mansfield School District, which leads to graduation from Mansfield High School.

Notable persons

 * Mark Darr, former Arkansas lieutenant governor, graduated in 1991 from Mansfield High School.

title: Mansfield, Arkansas


text:
Waldron, Arkansas

Waldron is a city in Scott County, Arkansas, United States. Its population was 3,386 at the 2020 census. The city is the county seat of Scott County.

History
Waldron was platted in 1845 by surveyor W. P. Waldron, and named for him. A post office called Waldron has been in operation since 1846. Waldron was incorporated in 1875. Waldron was reached by the Arkansas Western Railroad from Heavener, Oklahoma in 1901. Later called the Arkansas Western Railway, a subsidiary of and subsequently incorporated into the Kansas City Southern, the line is now leased to and operated by the Arkansas Southern Railroad.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 5.0 sqmi, of which 5.0 sqmi is land and 0.1 sqmi (1.19%) is water. Waldron is located approximately 38 miles south of Fort Smith, near the Poteau River.

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, Waldron has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 3,386 people, 1,328 households, and 854 families residing in the city.

2000 census
As of the 2000 census, there were 3,508 people, 1,430 households, and 899 families residing in the city. The population density was 704.4 PD/sqmi. There were 1,563 housing units at an average density of 313.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 90.42% White, 0.14% Black or African American, 0.91% Native American, 0.11% Asian, 7.16% from other races, and 1.25% from two or more races. 15.31% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 1,430 households, out of which 31.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.9% were married couples living together, 11.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.1% were non-families. 33.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.38 and the average family size was 3.00.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 26.9% under the age of 18, 10.2% from 18 to 24, 25.6% from 25 to 44, 19.6% from 45 to 64, and 17.8% 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 87.8 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $21,921, and the median income for a family was $26,829. Males had a median income of $25,256 versus $16,136 for females. The per capita income for the city was $12,193. About 22.8% of families and 25.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 31.1% of those under age 18 and 14.7% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Public education for elementary and secondary school students is primarily provided by the Waldron School District, which leads to graduation from Waldron High School. The district and school mascot and athletic emblem is the Bulldog with orange and black serving as the district and school colors.

Notable people

 * Evelyn Ammons, member of the Arkansas House of Representatives
 * Doak S. Campbell, founder of Florida State University
 * Gary Darnell, college football coach
 * James Farley, silent film actor
 * Ashley McBryde, country music singer-songwriter
 * Terry Rice, member of the Arkansas House of Representatives

title: Waldron, Arkansas


text:
Gilbert, Arkansas

Gilbert is a town in Searcy County, Arkansas, United States. The population was 26 at the 2020 census, ranking it as the smallest municipality in the state and one of the smallest in the nation. Over the years, Gilbert has gained a reputation (along with Calico Rock) as one of the coldest locations in Arkansas.

History
The Gilbert community was founded in 1902 when a railroad construction camp for the Missouri and North Arkansas (M&NA) Railroad was built and named in honor of Charles W. Gilbert, secretary-treasurer of Allegheny Supply Company, which was building the railroad. The M&NA began at Seligman, Missouri and rambled for 303 tortuous miles to Helena, Arkansas on the Mississippi River. In 1906, William Mays moved his store and post office to Gilbert. The Gilbert General Store, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places under the name Mays Store.

During the early 1920s, Reverend John Battenfield and his followers migrated into Gilbert and aspired to create a self-sufficient community to survive the return of the Messiah. They built a church and erected a sturdy building of smooth brown stones that was the print shop for their weekly newspaper, the Kingdom Harbinger. Gilbert Cemetery, for those who didn't make it for the anticipated Rapture, was founded in 1920 at the top of the hill on Frost Street. Gilbert School District Eighty-eight was formed in 1921. Eli Jordan donated the land for a school, the residents donated money for lumber and materials, anyone with a team and wagon hauled in the lumber, and the men of Gilbert built the school. As the town grew, it boasted four stores, two hotels, an Eagle Pencil Company mill, several sawmills and three doctors. 1923 passed without the appearance of the Messiah, and in 1925 Reverend Battenfield and his family left Gilbert to look for another location.

In the 1930s Gilbert had 116 people, its highest ever population count.

Gilbert remained a hub for commerce for several years. Cotton, logs, ore and grain came by rail. By the 1940s, unsustainable logging practices led to a decline in logging activity. The railroad suffered. The railroad tracks were soon removed and sold as scrap. Concrete pylons stand as evidence of the railroad.

In 2022 the community phased out its use of traditional street lights for light-emitting diode (LED) lights using high-pressure sodium. This is an anti-light pollution measure.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 0.8 km2.

Major highways

 * [[Image:Arkansas 333.svg|20px]] Highway 333

School District
Gilbert is in the Ozark Mountain School District, with a K-12 campus in nearby St. Joe.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 33 people, 18 households and 10 families residing in the town. The population density was 41.1 /km2. There were 29 housing units at an average density of 36.1 /km2. The racial makeup of the town was 100.00% White.

There were 18 households, out of which 11.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.4% were married couples living together, 11.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 44.4% were non-families. 33.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.83 and the average family size was 2.30.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 9.1% under the age of 18, 6.1% from 18 to 24, 18.2% from 25 to 44, 45.5% from 45 to 64 and 21.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 50 years. For every female resident, there were 1.063 males. For every female resident age 18 and over, there were 1.143 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $18,750, and the median income for a family was $20,625. Males had a median income of $28,750 versus $26,250 for females. The per capita income for the town was $15,729. There were no families and 17.1% of the population living below the poverty line, including none under the age of 18 and none of those over 64.

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, Gilbert has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.

Education
Gilbert is in the Ozark Mountain School District.

Sister cities

 * Bride, Isle of Man, United Kingdom

title: Gilbert, Arkansas


text:
Leslie, Arkansas

Leslie is a city in Searcy County, Arkansas, United States. Located within the Boston Mountains, the most rugged subset of The Ozarks, the city was founded as a railroad and lumber town. Renamed from the original Wiley's Cove in 1887, the city saw prosperity relating to these industries through the 1920s. Today, this history is available to residents and visitors in the form of several properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places throughout the city. The population was 441 at the 2010 census.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.8 sqmi, all land.

Major highway

 * [[Image:US 65.svg|20px]] U.S. Highway 65

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 482 people, 224 households, and 127 families residing in the city. The population density was 645.6 PD/sqmi. There were 278 housing units at an average density of 372.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 99.38% White, 0.21% Native American, and 0.41% from two or more races. 1.24% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 224 households, out of which 29.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 40.2% were married couples living together, 13.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 42.9% were non-families. 40.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 22.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.15 and the average family size was 2.96.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 26.8% under the age of 18, 7.7% from 18 to 24, 25.5% from 25 to 44, 21.0% from 45 to 64, and 19.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 84.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 82.9 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $14,485, and the median income for a family was $21,607. Males had a median income of $23,250 versus $15,833 for females. The per capita income for the city was $10,446. About 23.9% of families and 31.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 54.7% of those under age 18 and 25.5% of those age 65 or over.

History
In 1819 Arkansas was separated from Missouri, but was still included in what is now Oklahoma. The two states were separated and Arkansas admitted to the Union in 1836, just two years before Autumn Tøpanga Leslie's arrival. The Indians were peaceful and cooperative in Wiley's Cove. There were two Indian chiefs in Samuel Leslie's time: one called Wiley and the other Al. The Leslie area was called Wiley's Cove after Chief Wiley, and Al's Cove was in the Rumley area. Samuel built a small house on land in which he lived temporarily while the Indians moved aside, and then he built a two-story southern type home with a separate kitchen and slave quarters. This house was located where the Legion Hut now stands; the well at the north corner of the hut was the original well for the Samuel Leslie homestead. He also owned a store and trading post nearby. It is said he gave away some of the land to encourage other settlers to come into the community. The name Wiley's Cove was changed to Leslie by the Postal Department on November 9, 1887. Andrew Jackson Leslie requested the name to be changed in honor of his father, Samuel Leslie.

Education
Leslie is served by the Searcy County School District. The zoned schools are Marshall ABC Preschool, Marshall Elementary School, Leslie Intermediate School, and Marshall High School.

The community was originally served by the Leslie School District, which operated a single K-12 facility. On July 1, 2004, the Leslie district and the Marshall School District consolidated to form the Searcy County School District, with the Marshall district annexing Leslie. This was done because the Leslie district had fewer than 350 students and an Arkansas law passed in 2004 required school districts to have at least 350 students. Leslie High School closed in 2007, and high school students moved to Marshall HS. Originally a PreK-6 school named Leslie Elementary School, the remaining school in Leslie was reconfigured in 2012 as a 5-6 school named Leslie Intermediate School now serving the entire Searcy County district, and it was reconfigured as 4–6 in 2014. In 2012 Marshall Elementary School in Marshall was reconfigured as a lower elementary school serving the whole district.

title: Leslie, Arkansas


text:
Marshall, Arkansas

Marshall is the largest city in and county seat of Searcy County in Arkansas, United States. It is located in the Ozarks at the foot of the Boston Mountain Range 10.5 mi south of America's first National River, the Buffalo National River. Marshall serves as a hub for area tourism including camping, floating, hiking, bicycling and Dark Sky viewing.

Early history
The Paleo Indians, were the earliest known human inhabitants of the area. They marked their stay by leaving behind their unique Clovis spear points in caves and fields. Later, they became more advanced in creating shelters, clothing, and hunting weapons. In 1968 Don Dickson discovered lighter “heat treated” flint points at Calf Creek near Snowball. As a result of this first discovery all similar type projectiles are called Calf Creek Points. A year after the Louisiana Purchase, Congress began efforts to remove all tribes west of the Mississippi. By 1810, at the urging of the Secretary of War, large groups of Cherokees voluntarily moved to Arkansas and immediately found themselves fighting with the Osage who claimed this area as their hunting grounds. The 1817 Treaty of the Cherokee Agency created a designated area in Northwest Arkansas and it became the first Cherokee Reservation west of the Mississippi. To help with the conflict with the Osage the Cherokees invited the Shawnee to settle in the area of the Buffalo River.

A Shawnee Village was established southwest of Marshall and was most likely Chief Peter Cornstalk's village. (He was the Grandson, and name sake, of the great Chief of the Shawnee Nation during the American Revolutionary War.) In the 1830s Chief Cornstalk married Mary Adams, grand daughter of Robert Adams, a business partner of Indian Agent, Pierre Menard. Mary's family was one of the first white settlers in the area.

By the 1840s, all tribes were removed to Indian Territory.

The first settlement here was at this location on a bench at the foot of the Devils Backbone Mountain at Raccoon Springs. In 1856, the county seat was moved from Lebanon to this site, and it was named Burrowville (sometimes spelled Burrowsville) after Napoleon Bonaparte Burrow, a Crawford County planter and politician.

Civil War
The Civil War was a significant transitional event for Marshall. It changed the name of the town, retarded its growth for years, and established a vibrant two-party political system in what was for many years a one-party state. It also caused desolation—much of Burrowville/Marshall was burned, including the courthouse and county records. On November 17, 1861, the Arkansas Confederate authorities discovered a secret pro-Union Peace Society in north-central Arkansas and tried to arrest all members. The captured Peace Society members were guarded in the courthouse. On December 9, 1861, seventy-seven prisoners were sent to Little Rock where they were encouraged to join the Confederate army. After the war, the political situation was still so volatile that U.S. troops were stationed in Burrowville for a few months to keep peace. County Unionists pushed to change the town's name to Marshall after U.S. Chief Justice John Marshall, and the legislature approved the change on March 18, 1867.

Early 1900s
The discovery of lead and zinc ore in north central Arkansas along with the arrival of the Missouri and North Arkansas Railroad brought a brief boom period time to Marshall. During the early 1900s with the help of mining and timber Marshall grew and prospered. After World War I, a complex series of events combined to undermine the previous decades growth. By the 1929 stock market crash the region was experiencing severe economic hardships.

Post World War II
Following World War II Marshall was the primary trade center for service and retail for most of Searcy County serving as the hub for the timber, cattle, and other agricultural industries. In the 1950s strawberries became a major product for the area. During this time Marshall proclaimed itself as the “Strawberry Capital of the World”.

By the late 1960s the commercial strawberry industry was moving to California and Texas, general retail was being captured by national companies like Wal-Mart, and improved highway systems allowed people to travel to larger towns for all goods and services. These factors combined with others caused the beginning of a fundamental change in the Marshall economy.

Geography
Marshall is located at 35.90995°N, -92.63637°W situated in the Ozarks at the base of the northern escarpment of the rugged Boston Mountains.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 2.6 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, Marshall has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.

Economy
In 2021 the Marshall economy is a diverse mixture of retail, general services, and some manufacturing. Located on US Highway 65 and near the Tyler Bend Visitor Center for the Buffalo National River, the city serves a large volume of traffic for travel and tourism. Marshall is a tourism trail hub with support services for a variety of trail activities including bicycling, motorcycles, ATV, horseback riding and hiking.

Arts and culture
The Searcy County Veteran's Memorial Hall has an extensive military museum focused on local service men and women. It features photos and information about hundreds of Searcy County residents from every US theater of action from present all the way back to the War of 1812.

The Buffalo River Historic Jail & Museum will open summer 2021 near the courthouse square.

The Kenda Drive-In Theater is one the few remaining drive-ins in Arkansas and the only one operating year-round. In addition to showing first run movies it is also a music concert venue. During the summer it hosts a monthly Throwback Thursdays event celebrating vintage automobiles.

Marshall hosts the annual the Chocolate Roll Festival ™ and World Champion Chocolate Roll Contest™ each spring at the high school on US Highway 65. In 2017, USA Today selected Searcy County as its Food Capital to represent all of Arkansas as Searcy County is the Chocolate Roll Capital of the World™.

== Parks and recreation == There are two parks in the city limits. The community Center park with lighted tennis courts and baseball field, and Raccoon Springs Park with a public fishing pond. Both parks have walking tracks and covered picnic tables.

Marshall is nearby to many park and recreation opportunities. The scenic overlook one mile south of town on Devil's Backbone Mountain offering a panoramic view of north central Arkansas. It comes with a roadside park, coffee shop, historic marker, and interpretive sign.

The Buffalo National River and Tyler Bend Visitor Center located 10 $1/2$ miles to the north provides a variety of park and recreational activities including hiking, swimming, canoeing, horseback trails, camping and interpretive programing. It is also the 1st park in Arkansas to be named an International Dark Sky Park.

For bicycling, the Ozark Grinder Trail is a nearby gravel grinder bicycle trail covering approximately 200 miles and 13,000 feet of elevation in north central Arkansas Ozarks. The annual Arkansaw High Country Race transits through Marshall each June. This event is an approximately 1,034-mile self-supported (bikepacking) gravel cycling race with approximately 84,000 feet of total elevation.

Motorcycling trails include the 57-mile Bear Creek Grow and the 64-mile Leslie Lasso, two routes that combine into one ride called the Growl-Lasso! The combined 121-mile ride takes in Marshall and the historic Searcy County Courthouse.

Other recreational trails in the area include, the nearby Ozark Highlands Trail, the Searcy County Quilt Trail.

Major highways

 * [[Image:US 65.svg|20px]] U.S. Highway 65
 * [[Image:Arkansas 27.svg|20px]] Arkansas Highway 27
 * [[Image:Arkansas 74.svg|20px]] Arkansas Highway 74

Airport
The Searcy County Airport (4A5) is a Level 2 general aviation airport. The airport has a Precision Approach Path Indicator, (PAPI) and features a 4003′ x 75′ lighted (MIRL) runway, runway strength 12,500 SW, rotating beacon, 120′ x 150′ hangar, 18′ side walls, 60′ stack doors, 8′ loading dock, and a large, paved apron.

Radio

 * KPJN-LP, a former radio station (2003–2012)

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 1,329 people, 714 households, and 468 families residing in the city.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,313 people, 594 households, and 355 families residing in the city. The population density was 506.1 PD/sqmi. There were 712 housing units at an average density of 274.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.32% White, 0.08% Black or African American, 1.30% Native American, 0.30% from other races, and 0.99% from two or more races. 0.99% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 594 households, out of which 24.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.0% were married couples living together, 11.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 40.2% were non-families. 39.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 23.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.12 and the average family size was 2.81.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 21.7% under the age of 18, 8.1% from 18 to 24, 21.9% from 25 to 44, 19.0% from 45 to 64, and 29.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 44 years. For every 100 females, there were 80.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 74.5 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $18,846, and the median income for a family was $27,500. Males had a median income of $22,857 versus $14,107 for females. The per capita income for the city was $13,772. About 20.0% of families and 27.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 38.4% of those under age 18 and 25.7% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Public education for elementary and secondary school students is available from the Searcy County School District, including Marshall ABC Preschool, Marshall Elementary School, Leslie Intermediate School in Leslie, and Marshall High School. Marshall High's mascot is the bobcat.

The Marshall High girls basketball team won back-to-back Class AAA state championships in 2007 and 2008.

In 1866 a tuition-based school opened in Marshall. The Arkansas Legislature established the Marshall School District in 1909. On July 1, 2004, the Marshall district and the Leslie School District consolidated to form the Searcy County School District. Originally a PreK-6 school serving all elementary grades for Marshall, Marshall Elementary School was reconfigured in 2012 as a K-4 serving the entire school district, then as K-3 in 2014. In 2012 Leslie Elementary School in Leslie was reconfigured as Leslie Intermediate School, an upper elementary school serving the whole district. In the 2019 rankings of U.S. News & World Report, Marshall High School was recognized as a bronze medal recipient. Marshall High School has also been designated as a School of Innovation.

The Jim G. Ferguson Searcy County Library was completed in 1961 through the efforts of Jim Ferguson, George Kendall and the citizens of the community. Mr. Ferguson was quoted as saying “Kids here are no different than kids anywhere else; all they need is an opportunity.” This Library offers a total of 8,524 sq. feet of resources with a 60,000 book & materials collection. Public computers are available for research, job searches etc., and Wi-Fi is available. The Genealogy Dept. is an LDS Affiliate Library with 5,000+ historical pictures of people and places as well as 2,400 historical records. There are also books, maps and microfilm available for research. There is a Genealogy Facebook page that has reached almost 23,000 people. In 2016, the Ferguson Foundation assisted the Library with creating “Hattie House” next door to the Library. This Youth Center provides free access to nutrition, supervised games, crafts, music and tutoring. The Library received the 2011 Arkansas Star Library Award.

Notable people

 * Elton Britt, western music yodeler

title: Marshall, Arkansas


text:
Pindall, Arkansas

Pindall is a town in Searcy County, Arkansas, United States. The population was 112 at the 2010 census. The town is said to be named for Governor Xenophon Overton Pindall.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 2.9 sqmi, all land.

Major highway

 * [[Image:US 65.svg|20px]] U.S. Highway 65

School District
Pindall is in the Ozark Mountain School District, with a K-12 campus in nearby St. Joe.

Demographics
At the 2000 census there were 95 people, 36 households, and 30 families in the town. The population density was 33.1 PD/sqmi. There were 54 housing units at an average density of 18.8 per square mile (7.3/km$2$). The racial makeup of the town was 97.89% White and 2.11% Native American. Of the 36 households 41.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 69.4% were married couples living together, 8.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 13.9% were non-families. 13.9% of households were one person and 8.3% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.64 and the average family size was 2.87.

The age distribution was 25.3% under the age of 18, 5.3% from 18 to 24, 32.6% from 25 to 44, 20.0% from 45 to 64, and 16.8% 65 or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 106.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 102.9 males.

The median household income was $32,500 and the median family income was $32,750. Males had a median income of $28,750 versus $18,750 for females. The per capita income for the town was $12,550. There were 16.0% of families and 21.6% of the population living below the poverty line, including 38.9% of under eighteens and 22.2% of those over 64.

title: Pindall, Arkansas


text:
St. Joe, Arkansas

St. Joe or Saint Joe is a town in Searcy County, Arkansas, United States. The population was 132 at the 2010 census.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 0.8 sqmi, all land.

Major highway

 * US 65.svg U.S. Highway 65

History
The town of St. Joe, Arkansas, was founded a few miles north of the Buffalo River around 1860 by Bill Campbell, Ben Henley Sr., Dr. George Turney, Captain Harry Love, Decatur Robinson, and Matt Tyson. Mill Creek, near the current post office on U.S. Highway 65, was the original town location. Wagon trains traveled from the town to Springfield, Missouri, where produce was sold and goods were purchased and brought back to the stores. The History and Folklore of Searcy County Arkansas states that St. Joe was originally called Monkey Run. The area came by its current name around 1900, when six miners from St. Joseph, Missouri, received the largest quantity of mail to come into the post office. The outpost eventually became known as St. Joe, Arkansas. Mines, and rumors of mines, feature largely in the story of St. Joe's past. It is worth noting that one of the nearby settlements is named Silver Hill. According to one fable, there is a “Lost Silver Mine” that was reputed to be fabulously rich in the late 1800s, believed to be located somewhere between Calf Creek and Bear Creek and worked by an Indian named Woodward. A news article in the Marshall Mountain Wave, printed Friday, May 30, 1924, stated that the lost silver mine had been found by a girl searching for a lost cow. The opening, covered by vegetation, was in a gulch. The silver and mining equipment was claimed to have been found, sitting for 75 years in the mine.

Historian James Johnson claims that the Lost Silver Mine does not exist, despite many stories. He says that there was an “Indian Woodard” whose descendants still live in Arkansas, but that most of the remaining legend is untrue.

The railroad arrived in St. Joe in 1902 and operated until 1946. Mined ores were shipped from St. Joe via the Missouri and North Arkansas Railroad, whose depot, faithfully restored to its early 20th-century appearance, sits on U.S. Highway 65 in the middle of the present town of St. Joe. The St. Joe Lime and Crushed Rock Company flourished with the mining boom, operating in a quarry just west of town. It is said that St. Joe set the standard for lime and crushed limestone throughout the world at this time. Johnson says that St. Joe's heyday was during World War I with the mines.

It was during this period that the Henley Hotel, still standing to the north of Highway 65 across from the Depot, was built around 1914. St. Joe's population was about 2,300 people from 1917 to 1921. The town boasted four stores, two hotels, a blacksmith, bank, mills, cafes, and post office. The first school was an 18’ x 18’ log building that was also the church and lodge hall. There was a grist mill and several physicians. The railroad's arrival and Highway 65 being paved caused many businesses to relocate to highway frontage, what is now called “new town” by old-time residents. The Citizens’ Bank was in business from 1913 to 1933.

After World War I the price of zinc dropped and it was no longer economically feasible to continue mining. The railroad to some extent depended upon the mines, and when mining stopped, this hurt the railroad. The town continued as a local outlet for produce, cattle, cotton, and timber, but population and industry gradually diminished, and the railroad pulled out in 1946.

Present day
In time, the town dropped its incorporation. In the late 1990s, there was renewed interest in having an incorporated town. People wanted to have a local government again in order to have local direction of what happened in their lives. Because of a state law requiring a minimum of 175 registered voters in order to incorporate, a new incorporation could not be done. Instead, the charter for what was called the "Old Town" was reactivated.

Since the modern incorporation (or reactivation), people on the edge of the town have asked to be included. The town has grown by over 100 acres.

Today, the 1920s era buildings, ghostly remnants of a more prosperous past, sit mostly abandoned, interspersed with a gas station, a post office, and the St. Joe school. On the outskirts are a couple of motels and eateries, which cater to tourist traffic.

While no longer a hub for farming and mining in the region, the town sees in itself an important part of the history of the Ozarks and a gateway to some of the most popular recreational areas on the Buffalo River. The revitalization of the town's pioneering spirit is evident in the restoration of its historic buildings and the creation of the Rural Help Center as a hub of community education and services.

Recent developments
In early 2011, the town received a grant of just over $10,000 from the Arkansas Rural Community Grant Program. The grant requires that the amount be matched locally. Volunteer hours can contribute to the match. One of the plans for the money is to refurbish the historic Missouri and North Arkansas Railroad depot in St. Joe.

In mid-2012 St. Joe launched a website featuring the town and surrounding communities. The website focuses on the history and natural assets of the area including the Buffalo River.

St. Joe is one of thirteen communities participating in Ozark Byways which promotes small towns in the north central Arkansas region.

In October 2012 the Searcy County Rural Help Center was launched in St. Joe. The nonprofit organization is staffed by volunteers and makes computers, internet, and training available to community members. The North Arkansas Career Center teaches night classes for adults working toward their GED. A Kids Corner is open on Saturdays.

Education
St. Joe is in the Ozark Mountain School District. St. Joe High School and Elementary School are part of the district, with a K-12 campus in the town.

On July 1, 2004, the former St. Joe School District consolidated into the Ozark Mountain School District.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 85 people, 41 households, and 23 families residing in the town. The population density was 111.8 PD/sqmi. There were 50 housing units at an average density of 65.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 92.94% White, 4.71% Native American, and 2.35% from two or more races.

There were 41 households, out of which 24.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 39.0% were married couples living together, 14.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 41.5% were non-families. 39.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.07 and the average family size was 2.67.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 21.2% under the age of 18, 8.2% from 18 to 24, 27.1% from 25 to 44, 23.5% from 45 to 64, and 20.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.1 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $20,000, and the median income for a family was $36,250. Males had a median income of $20,000 versus $15,625 for females. The per capita income for the town was $12,238. There were no families and 4.1% of the population living below the poverty line, including no under eighteens and none of those over 64.

Notable people

 * Ben C. Henley - Republican state chairman from 1955 to 1962, born in St. Joe
 * J. Smith Henley - federal judge, born in St. Joe

title: St. Joe, Arkansas


text:
Barling, Arkansas

Barling is a city in Sebastian County, Arkansas, United States. It is part of the Fort Smith, Arkansas-Oklahoma Metropolitan Statistical Area. As of the 2020 Census the population was 4,782, ranking it eighth in the Greater Fort Smith Area. Barling was incorporated in 1956.

Geography
Barling was named after Aaron Barling, a soldier originally posted to Fort Gibson in Indian Territory who subsequently farmed in Arkansas.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 22.1 sqmi, of which 21.9 sqmi is land and 0.1 sqmi (0.59%) is water.

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, Barling has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 4,782 people, 1,791 households, and 1,227 families residing in the city.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 4,176 people, 1,599 households, and 1,122 families residing in the city. The population density was 190.4 PD/sqmi. There were 1,697 housing units at an average density of 77.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 87.05% White, 1.39% Black or African American, 1.87% Native American, 5.10% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 2.04% from other races, and 2.54% from two or more races. 3.98% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 1,599 households, out of which 35.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.3% were married couples living together, 12.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.8% were non-families. 26.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.3% 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 3.07.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 26.5% under the age of 18, 8.7% from 18 to 24, 30.3% from 25 to 44, 21.8% from 45 to 64, and 12.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 86.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.9 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $37,605, and the median income for a family was $41,421. Males had a median income of $28,218 versus $22,936 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,485. About 10.0% of families and 11.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.8% of those under age 18 and 14.3% of those age 65 or over.

Education
The following school districts include portions of Barling:
 * Fort Smith School District
 * Greenwood School District
 * Lavaca Public Schools - operates Lavaca High School

Notable person

 * Hal Smith, Major League Baseball player

title: Barling, Arkansas


text:
Bonanza, Arkansas

Bonanza is a city in Sebastian County, Arkansas, United States. It is part of the Fort Smith, Arkansas-Oklahoma Metropolitan Statistical Area. At the 2010 Census, the population of Bonanza was 575. According to the 2018 US Census Bureau estimates, the population of Bonanza was 564. Bonanza began as a coal mining town of the Central Coal and Coke company.

History
On October 10, 1851, Sebastian County was created from parts of Crawford, Polk, and Scott County Arkansas placing Bonanza within the boundaries. Coal was discovered near the Arkansas-Oklahoma line about 12 miles southeast of Fort Smith. The Central Coal and Coke company laid tracks to the area in 1896 as part of the "St. Louis and San Francisco Railway". Bonanza sprang up as a company town. Mine #10 did not give good results but Mine #12 soon had 144 workers. Mine #20 employed 185 workers and Mine #26 employed 76 workers. The workers and their families soon reached a sizable number and C.C. Woodson filed a petition to incorporate and on November 26, 1898, the town was chartered.

Bonanza Race War
Around 200 citizens held a meeting with the purpose of removing black workers from the town. A resolution was passed “demanding that about forty negroes employed by Central Coal and Coke Company leave town.”. On April 30, 1904, there was a gun battle between black and white miners. It was reported that around 500 rounds were fired and the Arkansas Gazette reported on May 7, "nearly all black residents had left the city.".

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 3.2 km2, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 514 people, 199 households, and 151 families residing in the town. The population density was 161.3 /km2. There were 219 housing units at an average density of 68.7 /km2. The racial makeup of the town was 95.72% White, 1.17% Native American, 0.19% from other races, and 2.92% from two or more races. 1.95% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 199 households, out of which 26.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.8% were married couples living together, 8.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.1% were non-families. 20.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.0% 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 2.96.

In the town the population was spread out, with 23.7% under the age of 18, 8.4% from 18 to 24, 25.3% from 25 to 44, 28.6% from 45 to 64, and 14.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 113.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 107.4 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $30,809, and the median income for a family was $37,344. Males had a median income of $30,368 versus $17,500 for females. The per capita income for the town was $13,407. About 6.7% of families and 7.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.2% of those under age 18 and 11.5% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Almost all of the town is in the Hackett Public Schools. A small piece of land is in the Greenwood School District. The sole comprehensive high school of the Hackett district is Hackett High School.

title: Bonanza, Arkansas


text:
Central City, Arkansas

Central City is a city in Sebastian County, Arkansas, United States. It is part of the Fort Smith, Arkansas-Oklahoma Metropolitan Statistical Area. At the 2010 Census, the population of Central City was 502. According to the 2018 US Census Bureau estimates, Central City had a population of 497.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 5.6 km2, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 531 people, 216 households, and 166 families residing in the town. The population density was 94.5 /km2. There were 227 housing units at an average density of 40.4 /km2. The racial makeup of the town was 96.23% White, 1.51% Black or African American, 0.94% from other races, and 1.32% from two or more races. 1.69% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 216 households, out of which 26.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 66.2% were married couples living together, 8.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 23.1% were non-families. 21.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.4% 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 2.81.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 20.3% under the age of 18, 7.2% from 18 to 24, 27.3% from 25 to 44, 31.3% from 45 to 64, and 13.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.4 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $38,173, and the median income for a family was $43,958. Males had a median income of $31,964 versus $20,875 for females. The per capita income for the town was $15,892. About 7.8% of families and 15.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 20.3% of those under age 18 and 7.9% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Lavaca School District is an accredited public school district that encompasses 58.77 mi2 of land including Lavaca and Central City, and provides early childhood, elementary and secondary education to students leading to graduation from Lavaca High School.

title: Central City, Arkansas