text:
Phillips County, Arkansas

Phillips County is a county located in the eastern part of the U.S. state of Arkansas, in what is known as the Arkansas Delta along the Mississippi River. As of the 2020 census, the population was 16,568. The county seat is Helena–West Helena.

Phillips County is Arkansas's seventh (7th) county, formed on May 1, 1820. It was named for Sylvanus Phillips, the area's first-known white or European-American settler; he was elected as representative to the first Territorial Legislature of the Arkansas Territory. This fertile lowland area was developed for cotton plantations in the antebellum area and is still largely rural and agricultural.

The Helena-West Helena, AR Micropolitan Statistical Area includes all of Phillips County.

History
From September 30 – October 1, 1919, during the Elaine race riot in Phillips County, at least 237 African Americans were killed, attacked at large by armed whites trying to suppress the Progressive Farmers and Household Union of America which was organizing in the county. Because the white mob actions were racial terrorism against African Americans, the deaths were classified as lynchings by the Equal Justice Initiative in its 2015 report on lynchings in the South. Based on this, Phillips County ranks as the county with the highest number of lynchings in U.S. history.

Crime
For the years from 2016 to 2020, Phillips County had the highest rate of gun homicides of any county in the United States. Adjusting county data for the age of the population, Phillips County had a rate of 55.45 gun deaths per 100,000 population.

Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 727 sqmi, of which 696 sqmi is land and 32 sqmi (4.4%) is water.

Major highways

 * US 49.svg U.S. Highway 49
 * Arkansas 1.svg Highway 1
 * Arkansas 39.svg Highway 39
 * Arkansas 85.svg Highway 85

Adjacent counties

 * Lee County (north)
 * Tunica County, Mississippi (northeast)
 * Coahoma County, Mississippi (east)
 * Bolivar County, Mississippi (southeast)
 * Desha County (south)
 * Arkansas County (southwest)
 * Monroe County (northwest)

National protected areas

 * St. Francis National Forest (part)
 * White River National Wildlife Refuge (part)

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States Census, there were 16,568 people, 7,485 households, and 4,836 families residing in the county.

2010 census
As of the 2010 census, there were 21,757 people living in the county. 63.1% were Black or African American, 35.0% White, 0.3% Asian, 0.2% Native American, 0.4% of some other race and 0.9% of two or more races. 1.3% were Hispanic or Latino (of any race).

2000 census
As of the 2000 census, there were 26,445 people, 9,711 households, and 6,768 families living in the county. The population density was 38 /mi2. There were 10,859 housing units at an average density of 16 /mi2. The racial makeup of the county was 59.04% Black or African American, 39.25% White, 0.43% from other races, 0.32% Asian, 0.17% Native American, 0.01% Pacific Islander, and 0.78% from two or more races. 1.44% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. At over 58% of the county's population, Phillips County has the highest percentage of African Americans in the state of Arkansas.

There were 9,711 households, out of which 34.20% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 40.30% were married couples living together, 25.10% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.30% were non-families. 27.60% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.00% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.69 and the average family size was 3.29.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 32.20% under the age of 18, 9.40% from 18 to 24, 23.20% from 25 to 44, 21.20% from 45 to 64, and 13.90% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females there were 84.70 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 77.70 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $22,231, and the median income for a family was $26,570. Males had a median income of $24,675 versus $17,520 for females. The per capita income for the county was $12,288. About 28.70% of families and 32.70% of the population were below the poverty line, including 45.50% of those under age 18 and 26.20% of those age 65 or over.

For the period 2000–2009, the Helena-West Helena statistical area lost 20.89% of its population, the largest decline of any statistical area in the country.

Government
As a majority-black county, Phillips County is strongly Democratic. It has voted for the Democratic presidential candidate in all but two elections in the last century. Strom Thurmond carried the county in his whites-only Dixiecrat effort in 1948. At that time, Democrats were composed chiefly of conservative whites, as most blacks had been disenfranchised at the turn of the century. Prior to that, they had been affiliated with the Republican Party.

Richard Nixon carried the county in his 1972 landslide. Blacks were not yet voting in full force, following passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, as some states and counties continued to have ways to suppress their vote.

Education
School districts serving Phillips County include the Helena-West Helena School District, the Marvell–Elaine School District, and the Barton–Lexa School District.

Previously the Lake View School District served a portion of the county. On July 1, 2004, the Lake View district merged into the Barton–Lexa district. Previously the Elaine School District served another portion of the county. On July 1, 2006, the Elaine district merged into the Marvell district.

Marvell Academy, a private school founded in 1966 as a segregation academy, is in unincorporated Phillips County, near Marvell.

Cities

 * Elaine
 * Helena–West Helena (county seat)
 * Lake View
 * Marvell

Town

 * Lexa

Unincorporated places

 * Barton
 * Modoc
 * Poplar Grove
 * Lambrook

Notable people

 * Bruce Bennett, Arkansas Attorney General
 * Barry Williamson, attorney and member of the Texas Railroad Commission
 * Blanche Lincoln, U.S. Senator
 * Mark Lavon "Levon" Helm, drummer and singer for The Band
 * Robert Lockwood Jr., blues guitarist and singer
 * Angie Craig, U.S. Representative from Minnesota

title: Phillips County, Arkansas


text:
Perry County, Arkansas

Perry County is a county located in the U.S. state of Arkansas. Its population was 10,019 at the 2020 United States Census. The county seat is Perryville. The county was formed on December 18, 1840, and named for Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, naval hero in the War of 1812. It is an alcohol prohibition or dry county.

Perry County is included in the Little Rock–North Little Rock–Conway, AR Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 561 sqmi, of which 551 sqmi is land and 9.1 sqmi (1.6%) is water. It is the fourth-smallest county in Arkansas by land area and third-smallest by total area.

Major highways

 * [[Image:Arkansas 7.svg|20px]] Highway 7
 * [[Image:Arkansas 9.svg|20px]] Highway 9
 * [[Image:Arkansas 10.svg|20px]] Highway 10
 * [[Image:Arkansas 60.svg|20px]] Highway 60
 * [[Image:Arkansas 113.svg|25px]] Highway 113
 * [[Image:Arkansas 300.svg|25px]] Highway 300

Adjacent counties

 * Conway County (north)
 * Faulkner County (northeast)
 * Pulaski County (east)
 * Saline County (southeast)
 * Garland County (southwest)
 * Yell County (west)

National protected area

 * Ouachita National Forest (part)

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 10,019 people, 3,668 households, and 2,824 families residing in the county.

2000 census
As of the 2000 census, there were 10,209 people, 3,989 households, and 2,939 families residing in the county. The population density was 18 /mi2. There were 4,702 housing units at an average density of 8 /mi2. The racial makeup of the county was 95.62% White, 1.73% Black or African American, 0.98% Native American, 0.15% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.39% from other races, and 1.11% from two or more races. 1.18% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 3,989 households, out of which 32.60% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.10% were married couples living together, 8.70% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.30% were non-families. 23.20% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.40% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.52 and the average family size was 2.96.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 25.30% under the age of 18, 7.40% from 18 to 24, 28.00% from 25 to 44, 24.50% from 45 to 64, and 14.80% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 98.30 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.20 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $31,083, and the median income for a family was $37,170. Males had a median income of $28,254 versus $21,462 for females. The per capita income for the county was $16,216. About 10.50% of families and 14.00% of the population were below the poverty line, including 17.00% of those under age 18 and 15.00% of those age 65 or over.

Government
Over the past few election cycles Perry County has trended heavily towards the GOP. The last Democrat (as of 2020) to carry this county was Bill Clinton in 1996.

Tourism
Just west of the Little Rock Metro Area, Perry County is a rural area set in the Ouachita Mountains with much of the county is within the Ouachita National Forest. Multiple points of interest of the National Forest are located within Perry County, to include the Flatside Wilderness Area, the Ouachita National Recreation Trail, Flatside Pinnacle Mountain, Lake Sylvia Recreation Area, the Hollis CCC Camp, the South Fourche Recreation Area and multiple watershed lakes and streams. Other popular outdoor recreation-related points of interest in the county include Nimrod Lake, Harris Brake Lake, Toad Suck Park, the Arkansas River, the Fourche LaFave River, and the South Fourche LaFave River.

For history buffs, the Perry County Museum in Perryville's Historic Commercial District provides several exhibits on the history of Perry County and its communities. The Hollis Country Store in Hollis is a popular roadside stop for travelers on Scenic Highway 7 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Perry County's most popular annual event is the Arkansas Goat Festival held in the Fall drawing thousands of tourists from around the country. Perry County is also the location of Heifer Ranch, an arm of Heifer International, a nonprofit which provides food and agricultural training for people all across the globe.

Cities

 * Adona
 * Perryville (county seat)

Towns

 * Bigelow
 * Casa
 * Fourche
 * Houston
 * Perry

Census-designated places

 * Aplin

Other unincorporated communities

 * Ava
 * Cherry Hill
 * Fourche Junction
 * Hollis
 * Nimrod
 * Toad Suck

Townships

 * Aplin
 * Casa (Casa)
 * Cherry Hill
 * Fourche Lafavre (most of Perryville)
 * Houston (Houston)
 * Kenney
 * Lake (Perry)
 * Maumelle
 * New Tennessee
 * Perry (Bigelow, Fourche)
 * Petit Jean (Adona)
 * Rankin
 * Rose Creek
 * Tyler
 * Union
 * Union Valley (small part of Perryville)
 * Wye

Notable people

 * Mary Elizabeth Bentley (born 1961), Republican member of the Arkansas House of Representatives since 2015
 * Len E. Blaylock (1918–2012), Republican politician from Nimrod in Perry County
 * Bob Dorough (1923–2018), American bebop and jazz pianist most recognizable from Schoolhouse Rock! fame.

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

title: Perry County, Arkansas


text:
Ouachita County, Arkansas

Ouachita County is a county located in the south central part of the U.S. state of Arkansas. As of the 2020 census, the population was 22,650.

The county seat is Camden. Ouachita County is part of the Camden, AR Micropolitan Statistical Area. Formed on November 29, 1842, the county is named for the Ouachita River.

History
Until the late 20th century, the county was a Democratic Party stronghold, aided by the state's having disenfranchised most African Americans at the turn of the century. As in much of the rest of the South, conservative whites, who constitute the majority of the population in the county, have shifted into the Republican Party. In 1972, U.S. President Richard M. Nixon became the first Republican presidential nominee in the 20th century to win a majority in Ouachita County. Much later, in the 2008 presidential election, U.S. Senator John McCain won the county by nearly ten percentage votes over Senator Barack Obama, following President George W. Bush's victory over Senator John F. Kerry in 2004.

The politically influential Pryor family is based here; they include two U.S. senators, David Pryor (serving 1978–1997) and his son Mark Pryor (elected 2002). The elder Pryor also served as a former governor of Arkansas and US Congressman. The county is served by a daily newspaper, The Camden News.

Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 740 sqmi, of which 733 sqmi is land and 7.0 sqmi (0.9%) is water.

Major highways

 * [[Image:I-69 (Future).svg|20px]] Future Interstate 69
 * [[Image:US 79.svg|20px]] U.S. Highway 79
 * [[Image:US 278.svg|25px]] U.S. Highway 278
 * [[Image:Arkansas 4.svg|20px]] Highway 4
 * [[Image:Arkansas 7.svg|20px]] Highway 7
 * [[Image:Arkansas 9.svg|20px]] Highway 9
 * [[Image:Arkansas 24.svg|20px]] Highway 24

Adjacent counties

 * Dallas County (north)
 * Calhoun County (east)
 * Union County (south)
 * Columbia County (southwest)
 * Nevada County (west)
 * Clark County (northwest)

Demographics
The county had its peak of population in 1950.

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 22,650 people, 9,658 households, and 6,009 families residing in the county.

2010 census
As of the 2010 census, there were 26,120 people living in the county. The racial makeup of the county was 56.3% White, 39.9% Black, 0.3% Native American, 0.4% Asian, <0.1% Pacific Islander, 0.1% from some other race and 1.4% from two or more races. 1.6% were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

2000 census
As of the 2000 census, there were 28,790 people, 11,613 households, and 8,071 families living in the county. The population density was 39 PD/sqmi. There were 13,450 housing units at an average density of 18 /mi2. The racial makeup of the county was 59.74% White, 38.64% Black or African American, 0.25% Native American, 0.24% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.26% from other races, and 0.83% from two or more races. 0.73% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 11,613 households, out of which 30.80% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.00% were married couples living together, 15.60% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.50% were non-families. 28.00% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.50% 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 2.99.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 25.90% under the age of 18, 8.00% from 18 to 24, 25.60% from 25 to 44, 23.60% from 45 to 64, and 16.90% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 89.80 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.00 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $29,341, and the median income for a family was $35,736. Males had a median income of $30,976 versus $18,800 for females. The per capita income for the county was $15,118. About 16.10% of families and 19.50% of the population were below the poverty line, including 26.20% of those under age 18 and 18.60% of those age 65 or over.

Government
Over the past few election cycles Ouachita County has trended towards the GOP. The last Democrat (as of 2020) to carry this county was Al Gore in 2000.

In 2020, the county saw an increase in third party votes compared to 2016, whereas the national trend was a significant drop of third party support.

Cities

 * Bearden
 * Camden (county seat)
 * Chidester
 * East Camden
 * Stephens

Town

 * Louann

Census designated place

 * Reader

Unincorporated community

 * Cullendale

Townships

 * Behestian
 * Bradley (East Camden)
 * Bragg
 * Bridge Creek (Elliott)
 * Carroll
 * Cleveland
 * Ecore Fabre (most of Camden)
 * Freeo
 * Jefferson
 * Lafayette (small part of Camden)
 * Liberty
 * Marion (Buena Vista)
 * Red Hill (Chidester, most of CDP Reader)
 * River
 * Smackover (Stephens)
 * Union (Bearden)
 * Valley
 * Washington (Louann)

title: Ouachita County, Arkansas


text:
Newton County, Arkansas

Newton County is a county in the U.S. state of Arkansas. As of the 2020 census, the population was 7,225. The county seat is Jasper. Newton County is Arkansas's 46th county, formed on December 14, 1842, and named for Thomas W. Newton, an Arkansas Congressman.

Newton County is part of the Harrison, AR Micropolitan Statistical Area.

It is an alcohol prohibition or dry county.

History
Newton County residents were divided during the Civil War, serving in both the Confederate and Union armies. John Cecil, who had served as Newton County's sheriff, served as a Confederate Captain. Jasper blacksmith James R. Vanderpool (ca. 1832–1880) served as Captain of Union Company C, 1st Regiment Arkansas Infantry Volunteers, while farmer and teacher John McCoy (1820–1903) served as Captain of Union Company F, 1st Regiment Arkansas Infantry Volunteers. Many Newton County citizens served under each of these men, as well as in other units. As an example of how the war divided families, Confederate Captain Cecil's brother, Sam, served as a sergeant in Union Company D, 2nd Regiment Arkansas Cavalry Volunteers. Violence took a severe toll on the civilian population, and at one point, Captains McCoy and Vanderpool escorted 20 wagons of Unionist families from Newton County to Missouri to seek refuge.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 823 sqmi, of which 821 sqmi is land and 2.3 sqmi (0.3%) is water.

Newton County lies almost entirely within the rugged Boston Mountain range of the Ozark Mountains where elevations exceed 2500 ft. The Buffalo National River, a popular destination for canoeing and recreation, runs through the county from west to east. Highway 7, which traverses the county from north to south, has been rated as one of the most scenic drives in the country.

Adjacent counties

 * Boone County (north)
 * Searcy County (east)
 * Pope County (southeast)
 * Johnson County (south)
 * Madison County (west)
 * Carroll County (northwest)

National protected areas

 * Buffalo National River (part)
 * Ozark National Forest (part)
 * Upper Buffalo Wilderness
 * Mystic Cavern

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 7,225 people, 2,936 households, and 1,800 families residing in the county.

2000 census
As of the 2000 census, there were 8,608 people, 3,500 households, and 2,495 families residing in the county. The population density was 4/km2 (10/sq mi), one of the most sparse among county populations in Arkansas. There were 4,316 housing units at an average density of 5 /mi2. The racial makeup of the county was 99.29% White, 0.00% Black or African American, 0.56% Native American, 0.06% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.09% from other races, and 0.00% from two or more races. 0.00% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 3,500 households, out of which 32.20% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.00% were married couples living together, 7.70% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.70% were non-families. 26.00% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.90% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.44 and the average family size was 2.94.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 24.90% under the age of 18, 7.60% from 18 to 24, 25.00% from 25 to 44, 27.60% from 45 to 64, and 14.80% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 102.30 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.60 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $24,756, and the median income for a family was $30,134. Males had a median income of $22,406 versus $17,654 for females. The per capita income for the county was $13,788. About 15.70% of families and 20.40% of the population were below the poverty line, including 27.80% of those under age 18 and 16.90% of those age 65 or over.

Native residents of Newton County were interviewed in 1970 for research being done by a doctoral student at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. A Ph.D. degree was awarded to Bethany K. Dumas in May 1971 after she completed "A Study of the Dialect of Newton County, Arkansas." Results are discussed in two of her published articles/chapters: "The Morphology of Newton County, Arkansas: An Exercise in Studying Ozark Dialect," Mid–South Folklore 3 (1975), 115–125, and "Southern Mountain English" Chapter 5 of The Workings of Language, ed. R. S. Wheeler, Westport, CT, and London: Praeger, 1999, 67–79.

Government

The county government is a constitutional body granted specific powers by the Constitution of Arkansas and the Arkansas Code. The quorum court is the legislative branch of the county government and controls all spending and revenue collection. Representatives are called justices of the peace and are elected from county districts every even-numbered year. The number of districts in a county vary from nine to fifteen, and district boundaries are drawn by the county election commission. The Newton County Quorum Court has nine members. Presiding over quorum court meetings is the county judge, who serves as the chief operating officer of the county. The county judge is elected at-large and does not vote in quorum court business, although capable of vetoing quorum court decisions.

Politics
Along with adjacent Searcy County, Newton is unique among Arkansas counties in being traditionally Republican in political leanings even during the overwhelmingly Democratic "Solid South" era. This Republicanism resulted from their historical paucity of slaves, in turn created by infertile soils unsuitable for intensive cotton farming, and produced support for the Union during the Civil War. These were the only two counties in Arkansas to be won by Alf Landon in 1936, Wendell Willkie in 1940, Charles Evans Hughes in 1916, and even Calvin Coolidge in 1924. Since the Civil War the only Democrats to gain an absolute majority of Newton County's vote have been Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1932 and Jimmy Carter in 1976. In 2008, the Socialism and Liberation candidate, Gloria La Riva, had the notable achievement of winning the precinct of Murray, ahead of major party candidates Barack Obama and John McCain. The Republican nominee has received over sixty percent in all Presidential elections from 2000 to 2020 inclusive. In 2016, Newton County voted over 76 percent for Donald Trump, while Hillary Clinton received just 18 percent.

The county is in Arkansas's 1st congressional district, which from Reconstruction until 2010 sent only Democrats to the U.S. House. That year, it elected Republican Rick Crawford, who currently holds the seat as to date. In the Arkansas House of Representatives Newton County is represented by Steven Walker. The state senator, Missy Thomas Irvin, is also a Republican.

Attractions
24 Hours of Horseshoe Hell (24HHH) is an annual rock-climbing competition held at Horseshoe Canyon Ranch in Newton County. Using difficulty ratings based on the Yosemite Decimal System, teams of two attempt to climb as many routes as possible in 24 hours. The sandstone walls of the canyon has over 411 established routes. The event was first held in 2006, and was rated by Climbing magazine as one of the most difficult endurance events in the nation.

City

 * Jasper (county seat)

Town

 * Western Grove

Census-designated place

 * Deer
 * Mount Judea
 * Ponca
 * Wayton

Other unincorporated communities

 * Bass
 * Ben Hur
 * Compton
 * Fallsville
 * Hasty
 * Marble Falls
 * Mossville
 * Piercetown
 * Parthenon
 * Vendor

Major highways

 * [[Image:US 65.svg|20px]] U.S. Highway 65
 * [[Image:Arkansas 7.svg|20px]] Arkansas Highway 7
 * [[Image:Arkansas 16.svg|20px]] Arkansas Highway 16
 * [[Image:Arkansas 21.svg|20px]] Arkansas Highway 21
 * [[Image:Arkansas 43.svg|20px]] Arkansas Highway 43
 * [[Image:Arkansas 74.svg|20px]] Arkansas Highway 74
 * [[Image:Arkansas 123.svg|25px]] Arkansas Highway 123

title: Newton County, Arkansas


text:
Nevada County, Arkansas

Nevada County is a county located in the southwestern part of the U.S. state of Arkansas. As of the 2020 Census, the population was 8,310, less than half of its peak in 1920. The county seat is Prescott. Nevada County is Arkansas's 63rd county, formed during the Reconstruction era on March 20, 1871, from portions of Hempstead, Ouachita and Columbia counties. It was named after the state of Nevada because of the perceived similarity between their physical shapes; the Arkansas county's shape, inverted, roughly follows the same outline as the state's boundary. It is an alcohol prohibition or dry county.

History
This area was historically occupied by members of the Caddoan Confederacy, whose territory extended into present-day Texas and Louisiana. They settled along the waterways, using them for transportation and fishing. Colonial French and later European-American settlers also took over lands along the waterways, which formed their basic transportation routes well into the 19th century. After the Congress repealed Prohibition in the early 20th century, Nevada County voted to retain it and the county is still "dry."

Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 621 sqmi, of which 618 sqmi is land and 2.8 sqmi (0.5%) is water. The county is bounded on the north by the Little Missouri River, a branch of the Ouachita River, and drained by several tributaries of that stream and of Red River. Nevada County is alternately considered as part of the greater regions of South Arkansas or Southwest Arkansas.

Major highways

 * [[Image:I-30 (AR).svg|20px]] Interstate 30
 * [[Image:US 67.svg|20px]] U.S. Highway 67
 * [[Image:US 278.svg|25px]] U.S. Highway 278
 * [[Image:US 371.svg|25px]] U.S. Highway 371
 * [[Image:Arkansas 19.svg|20px]] Highway 19
 * [[Image:Arkansas 24.svg|20px]] Highway 24
 * [[Image:Arkansas 32.svg|20px]] Highway 32
 * [[Image:Arkansas 51.svg|20px]] Highway 51
 * [[Image:Arkansas 53.svg|20px]] Highway 53

Adjacent counties

 * Clark County (northeast)
 * Ouachita County (east)
 * Columbia County (south)
 * Lafayette County (southwest)
 * Hempstead County (west)
 * Pike County (northwest)

Demographics
The population declined by more than half from 1920 to 1970, due to mechanization of agriculture and the decline of the lumber industry causing loss of jobs. In addition, blacks left in the Great Migration to midwestern and western industrial cities, where they found better work and less social oppression.

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 8,310 people, 3,397 households, and 2,263 families residing in the county.

2000 census
As of the 2000 United States Census, there were 9,955 people, 3,893 households, and 2,721 families residing in the county. The population density was 16 /mi2. There were 4,751 housing units at an average density of 8 /mi2. The racial makeup of the county was 66.90% White, 31.18% Black or African American, 0.38% Native American, 0.06% Asian, 0.85% from other races, and 0.62% from two or more races. 1.52% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 3,893 households, out of which 31.40% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.90% were married couples living together, 14.00% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.10% were non-families. 27.80% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.70% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.48 and the average family size was 3.02.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 25.20% under the age of 18, 8.70% from 18 to 24, 26.10% from 25 to 44, 23.80% from 45 to 64, and 16.10% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.40 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.90 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $26,962, and the median income for a family was $33,095. Males had a median income of $27,888 versus $17,920 for females. The per capita income for the county was $14,184. About 18.30% of families and 22.80% of the population were below the poverty line, including 28.00% of those under age 18 and 27.10% of those age 65 or over.

Government
Prior to 2000, Nevada County was considered an "ancestral" Democratic-voting county, with exceptions for the 1968 George Wallace campaign and the 1972 and 1984 landslides of Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan, respectively.

Historically, the county was a stronghold of the Greenback Party, controlling county offices from 1880 to 1884, and later a stronghold for the Populist Party in the 1890s.

Cities

 * Emmet
 * Prescott (county seat)

Towns

 * Bluff City
 * Bodcaw
 * Cale
 * Rosston
 * Willisville
 * Falcon

Census-designated place

 * Reader

Townships

 * Alabama
 * Albany
 * Boughton
 * Caney (Cale, Rosston)
 * Emmet (Emmet)
 * Georgia
 * Jackson
 * Leake
 * Missouri (Prescott)
 * Parker (Bodcaw)
 * Redland
 * Taylor (Willisville)
 * Union (Bluff City, Reader)

title: Nevada County, Arkansas


text:
Talk:Montgomery County, Arkansas

Untitled
Wondering how to edit this U.S. County Entry? The WikiProject U.S. Counties standards might help. — Preceding unsigned comment added by Ram-Man (talk • contribs) 15:07, 1 October 2002 (UTC)

title: Talk:Montgomery County, Arkansas


text:
Monroe County, Arkansas

Monroe County is located in the Arkansas Delta in the U.S. state of Arkansas. The county is named for James Monroe, the fifth President of the United States. Created as Arkansas's 20th county on November 2, 1829, Monroe County is home to two incorporated towns and three incorporated cities, including Clarendon, the county seat, and Brinkley, the most populous city. The county is also the site of numerous unincorporated communities and ghost towns.

Occupying only 621 sqmi, Monroe County is the 22nd smallest county in Arkansas. As of the 2020 Census, the county's population was 6,799. Based on population, the county is the fifth-smallest county of the 75 in Arkansas. Located in the Arkansas Delta, the county is largely flat with fertile soils. Historically covered in forest, bayous, swamps, and grasslands, the area was cleared for agriculture by early European-American settlers who used enslaved African Americans to do the work and to cultivate cotton. It is drained by the Cache River, Bayou DeView, and the White River. Three large protected areas preserve old growth bald cypress forest, sloughs and wildlife habitat in the county: Cache River National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), Dagmar Wildlife Management Area and White River NWR and provide places for hunting and fishing.

Interstate 40 is the only Interstate highway in Monroe County, crossing the county from east to west through Brinkley, the largest city. The county also has three United States highways (U.S. Route 49 [US 49], US 70, and US 79) and twelve Arkansas state highways run in the county. A Union Pacific Railroad line crosses the county from southwest to northeast.

History
Shortly after the United States had completed the Louisiana Purchase, officials began to survey the territory at a site near the intersection of Monroe, Phillips, and Lee counties. From forested wetlands in what would become southern Monroe County, approximately 900000 sqmi of land would be explored after President James Madison commissioned a survey of the purchase area. The point was commemorated in 1961 by the Arkansas General Assembly as part of Louisiana Purchase State Park.

Settlement in Monroe County began when Dedrick Pike settled in 1816 where the Cache River enters the White River. The settlement was named Mouth of the Cache, and a post office by that name was opened years later. The community renamed itself Clarendon in 1824 in honor of the Earl of Clarendon. Monroe County was established under the Arkansas territorial legislature in 1829, and the county seat was established at Lawrenceville, where a jail and courthouse were erected. A ferry across the White River was founded in 1836.

In 1857 the county seat was moved to Clarendon, Arkansas. The new brick courthouse was nearly finished by the outbreak of the American Civil War in 1861. The county sent five units into Confederate service. After Union troops captured Clarendon in 1863, they destroyed the small city. The Union had completely dismantled the brick courthouse and shipped the bricks to De Valls Bluff. After the war, during Reconstruction, there was a high level of violence by insurgent whites seeking to suppress the rights of freedmen and to keep them from voting. After Republican Congressman James M. Hinds was murdered by the Ku Klux Klan in Monroe County in October 1868, Governor Powell Clayton established martial law in ten counties, including Monroe County, as the attacks and murders were out of control. Four military districts were operated for four years in an effort to suppress guerrilla insurgency by white paramilitary groups, such as the Ku Klux Klan and others. They continued to challenge enfranchisement of blacks and the increasing power of Republicans in the county. The Monroe County Sun newspaper was established in 1876.

Violence continued after Reconstruction, when Democrats had regained control of the state legislature. Whites struggled to re-establish white supremacy, by violence and intimidation of black Republican voters. At the turn of the century, the state legislature passed measures that effectively disenfranchised most blacks for decades. The Equal Justice Initiative reported in 2015 that the county had 12 lynchings of African Americans from 1877 to 1950, most in the decades near the turn of the 20th century. This was the fourth-highest of any county in the state. To escape the violence, thousands of African Americans left the state in the Great Migration to northern and western cities, especially after 1940.

Mechanization of farming and industrial-scale agriculture have decreased the need for workers. The rural county has continued to lose population because of the lack of work opportunities. There has been a decrease in population every decade since 1940.

Geography
The county is located in the Arkansas Delta, one of the six primary geographic regions of Arkansas. The Arkansas Delta is a subregion of the Mississippi Alluvial Plain, which is a flat area consisting of rich, fertile sediment deposits from the Mississippi River between Louisiana and Illinois. Large portions of Monroe County are also within the Grand Prairie, a subdivision of the Arkansas Delta known today for rice farming and aquaculture. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 621 sqmi, of which 607 sqmi is land and 14 sqmi (2.3%) is water.

Prior to settlement, Monroe County was densely forested, with bayous, sloughs, and swamps crossing the land. Seeking to take advantage of the area's fertile soils, settlers cleared the land to better suit row crops. Although some swampland has been preserved in the conservation areas like the Cache River NWR and White River NWR, and some former farmland has undergone reforestation, the majority (52 percent) of the county remains in cultivation. Another large land use in Monroe County is the Cache River NWR and White River NWR, owned by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.

The county is located approximately 73 mi east of Little Rock and 88 mi west-southwest of Memphis, Tennessee. Monroe County is surrounded by six other Delta counties: Woodruff County to the north, St. Francis County to the northeast, Lee County and Phillips County to the east, Arkansas County to the southwest, and Prairie County to the west.

Hydrology
Water is an extremely important part of Monroe County's geography, history, economy, and culture. The many rivers, streams, ditches, sloughs and bayous crossing the county have featured prominently since prehistoric times. Native American tribes settled near them and peoples such as the Quapaw constructed burial mounds at Indian Bay in extreme southern Monroe County (today preserved as Baytown Site).

Europeans who settled in the county also used the White River to navigate through the area and trade. Control of the White River lead to military action in the county during the Civil War, including a gunboat battle at Clarendon in 1864. The Flood of 1927 damaged much of the county's settlements along the White, and inundated Clarendon when the levees protecting the city failed on April 20. Conservation efforts by leaders in the county resulted in the creation of federal and state protected areas around the Cache and White rivers, to protect wetlands that could absorb flooding, beginning in 1935. These have been expanded to the current day, as engineers understand more about the positive role of wetlands in floodplain ecology.

The White River, one of Arkansas's most important rivers, is the county's major hydrologic features. The White forms the southwestern boundary of the county with Arkansas County. The Cache River runs on the west side of Monroe County, partially forming its border with Prairie County. Both the Cache River and Roc Roe Bayou empty into the White near Clarendon. Bayou De View runs through the north part of the county and meets the Cache north of Dobbs Landing.

National protected areas

 * Cache River National Wildlife Refuge (part)
 * White River National Wildlife Refuge (part)

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States Census, there were 6,799 people, 3,333 households, and 1,974 families residing in the county.

2000 census
As of the 2000 United States Census, there were 10,254 people, 4,105 households, and 2,733 families residing in the county. The population density was 17 /mi2. There were 5,067 housing units at an average density of 8 /mi2. The racial makeup of the county was 59.37% White, 38.79% Black or African American, 0.26% Native American, 0.13% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 0.26% from other races, and 1.14% from two or more races. 1.29% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 4,105 households, out of which 29.30% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.10% were married couples living together, 16.70% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.40% were non-families. 30.10% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.10% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.47 and the average family size was 3.07.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 27.90% under the age of 18, 7.60% from 18 to 24, 23.70% from 25 to 44, 23.40% from 45 to 64, and 17.30% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 88.50 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 83.30 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $22,632, and the median income for a family was $28,915. Males had a median income of $25,299 versus $17,117 for females. The per capita income for the county was $13,096. About 21.00% of families and 27.50% of the population were below the poverty line, including 37.40% of those under age 18 and 22.40% of those age 65 or over.

Government

The county government is a constitutional body granted specific powers by the Constitution of Arkansas and the Arkansas Code. The quorum court is the legislative branch of the county government and controls all spending and revenue collection. Representatives are called justices of the peace and are elected from county districts every even-numbered year. The number of districts in a county vary from nine to fifteen, and district boundaries are drawn by the county election commission. The Monroe County Quorum Court has nine members. Presiding over quorum court meetings is the county judge, who serves as the chief operating officer of the county. The county judge is elected at-large and does not vote in quorum court business, although capable of vetoing quorum court decisions.

Politics
A portion of Monroe County is represented in the Arkansas State Senate by the Republican Ronald R. Caldwell, a real estate businessman from Wynne in Cross County. The state representative from Monroe County is a Democrat, Marshall Wright, a lawyer from Forrest City in St. Francis County.

Prior to 2000, Monroe was considered an "ancestral" Democratic county, with exceptions for the 1972 and 1984 landslides of Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan, respectively. Former Governor Bill Clinton won this county twice in his presidential runs: 1992 and 1996. John Kerry won the county in 2004, the most recent Democrat to do so.

Over the past few election cycles Monroe has trended a bit more to the Republican Party, albeit with less fervor than its neighboring counties. Barack Obama lost the county by only two votes in his 2012 run, and former Arkansas First Lady Hillary Clinton lost it by more than six points, 51%-45%, in her 2016 race.

Cities

 * Brinkley
 * Clarendon (county seat)
 * Holly Grove

Towns

 * Fargo
 * Roe

Census-designated places

 * Indian Bay
 * Monroe

Townships

 * Brinkley (most of Brinkley)
 * Brown
 * Cache (Clarendon)
 * Cleburne
 * Cypress Ridge
 * Dixon (part of Brinkley)
 * Duncan (Holly Grove)
 * Greenfield (Fargo)
 * Hindman
 * Jackson
 * Keevil
 * Montgomery-Smalley
 * Pine Ridge
 * Raymond
 * Richland (part of Brinkley)
 * Roc Roe (Roe)

Aviation
Monroe County is home to three public own/public use general aviation (GA) airports. Each airport is used largely for agricultural spraying operations. The Clarendon Municipal Airport located southwest of Clarendon and northwest of Roe along Highway 33. For the twelve-month period ending August 31, 2015, the facility saw 26,000 general aviation operations. Frank Federer Memorial Airport in southeast Brinkley had 22,000 GA operations in the twelve-month period ending August 31, 2015. Holly Grove Municipal Airport located east of Holly Grove on Highway 146 is also a small rural airport. For the twelve-month period ending August 31, 2015, the facility saw 22,000 general aviation operations.

Major highways

 * [[Image:I-40 (AR).svg|20px]] Interstate 40
 * [[Image:US 49.svg|20px]] U.S. Highway 49
 * [[Image:US 70.svg|20px]] U.S. Highway 70
 * [[Image:US 79.svg|20px]] U.S. Highway 79
 * [[Image:Arkansas 1.svg|20px]] Highway 1
 * [[Image:Arkansas 17.svg|20px]] Highway 17
 * [[Image:Arkansas 33.svg|20px]] Highway 33
 * [[Image:Arkansas 39.svg|20px]] Highway 39
 * [[Image:Arkansas 86.svg|20px]] Highway 86
 * [[Image:Arkansas 146.svg|25px]] Highway 146
 * [[Image:Arkansas 238.svg|25px]] Highway 238
 * [[Image:Arkansas 241.svg|25px]] Highway 241
 * [[Image:Arkansas 302.svg|25px]] Highway 302
 * [[Image:Arkansas 316.svg|25px]] Highway 316
 * [[Image:Arkansas 362.svg|25px]] Highway 362
 * [[Image:Arkansas 366.svg|25px]] Highway 366

Transit
Intercity bus service to the county is provided by Jefferson Lines, which has a stop in Brinkley.

Utilities
The Arkansas Department of Health is responsible for the regulation and oversight of public water systems throughout the state. Monroe County contains six community water systems: Brinkley Waterworks, Clarendon Waterworks, Holly Grove Waterworks, Roe Waterworks, United Water Association and East Monroe County Water Users. Brinkley Waterworks has the largest retail population (4,281), followed by Clarendon (1,640), and Holly Grove (1,010). All community water systems in Monroe County use groundwater as their source of raw water, except East Monroe County Water Users, who purchases all water from Brinkley.

Notable person

 * Sheffield Nelson, the Arkansas Republican National Committeeman and his party's gubernatorial nominee in 1990 and 1994, was born in 1940 in Monroe County.

Notes and references

 * Notes

 * References

title: Monroe County, Arkansas


text:
Mississippi County, Arkansas

Mississippi County is the easternmost county in the U.S. state of Arkansas. As of the 2020 census, the population was 40,685. There are two county seats, Blytheville and Osceola. The county is named for the Mississippi River which borders the county to the east. Mississippi County is part of the First Congressional District in Arkansas.

The Blytheville, AR Micropolitan Statistical Area includes all of Mississippi County.

Pre-European Exploration
Extant early settlements include the Eaker Site and the Sherman Mound.

1812 New Madrid Earthquake
Local oral tradition held that prior to the major earthquakes of 1812, the lands in Mississippi County were higher in elevation compared to now and were not prone to flooding. Though the earthquake was named for New Madrid, Missouri, as that was the only town in the area with any population, the actual epicenter of the quake was three miles below what is now Blytheville, Arkansas.

Antebellum Period
American settlers were recorded in the area as early as 1828. These early settlers include John Troy, the first Mississippi County Judge and namesake of Troy township and G.C. Barfield, the first county surveyor and namesake of Barfield Landing.

Mississippi County was created on November 1, 1833, when it was split off from Craighead County. By 1836, when Arkansas achieved statehood, the county's white population had slightly increased and the local Native population was pushed in the eastern part of the county, towards what is now Big Lake. The first county seat was a small community called Cornwall, which was located at on the banks of the Mississippi River, on the remains of an old Spanish "encampment." Osceola was named as the County Seat in 1833, and later incorporated in 1843.

The Federal Swamp Act of 1850 granted federally controlled swamp lands to their respective state governments for sale. According to the 1852 surveyor general's report, Mississippi County had the largest amount of swamp and "Sunken" lands of any county in the country.

Reconstruction Period
Following the American Civil War, Mississippi County was one of 10 counties in Arkansas put under martial law due to increased activity from the Ku Klux Klan. In 1872, a series of racial and political confrontations known as the Black Hawk War took place. The genesis of this was the murder of "Carpetbagger" Charles Fitzpatrick by the county Sherriff J.B. Murray over Fitzpatrick's allegations of Murray's embezzlement of school funds.

20th century
During World War 2, a B-25 pilot training school was constructed at Blytheville, with satellite landing strips at Manilla and in the Missouri Bootheel. The facility was later reopened in 1954 at Blytheville Air Force Base, and hosted a squadron of B-52s from 1959 to 1992.

In 1987, Nucor Steel opened a steel plant at Barfield Landing on the Mississippi River. In 2014, U.S. Steel opened a steel plant at Osceola. Mississippi County is now reportedly the largest steel producing county in America.

Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 920 sqmi, of which 901 sqmi is land and 19 sqmi (2.1%) is water.

Major highways

 * [[Image:I-55 (AR).svg|20px]] Interstate 55
 * [[Image:US 61.svg|20px]] U.S. Highway 61
 * [[Image:US 78.svg|20px]] U.S. Highway 78
 * [[Image:Arkansas 14.svg|20px]] Highway 14
 * [[Image:Arkansas 18.svg|20px]] Highway 18
 * [[Image:Arkansas 18B.svg|20px]] Highway 18 Business
 * [[Image:Arkansas 77.svg|20px]] Highway 77
 * [[Image:Arkansas 118.svg|20px]] Highway 118
 * [[Image:Arkansas 119.svg|20px]] Highway 119
 * [[Image:Arkansas 135.svg|20px]] Highway 135
 * [[Image:Arkansas 136.svg|20px]] Highway 136
 * [[Image:Arkansas 137.svg|20px]] Highway 137
 * [[Image:Arkansas 137S.svg|20px]] Highway 137 Spur
 * [[Image:Arkansas 140.svg|20px]] Highway 140
 * [[Image:Arkansas 150.svg|20px]] Highway 150
 * [[Image:Arkansas 151.svg|20px]] Highway 151
 * [[Image:Arkansas 158.svg|20px]] Highway 158
 * [[Image:Arkansas 181.svg|20px]] Highway 181
 * [[Image:Arkansas 239.svg|20px]] Highway 239
 * [[Image:Arkansas 239S.svg|20px]] Highway 239 Spur
 * [[Image:Arkansas 947.svg|20px]] Highway 947

Adjacent counties

 * Dunklin County, Missouri (northwest)
 * Pemiscot County, Missouri (north)
 * Dyer County, Tennessee (northeast)
 * Lauderdale County, Tennessee (east)
 * Tipton County, Tennessee (southeast)
 * Crittenden County (south)
 * Poinsett County (southwest)
 * Craighead County (west)

National protected area

 * Big Lake National Wildlife Refuge

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States Census, there were 40,685 people, 16,389 households, and 10,635 families residing in the county.

2010 census
As of the 2010 census, there were 46,480 people living in the county. The racial makeup of the county was 60.5% White, 33.9% Black, 0.3% Native American, 0.5% Asian, <0.0% Pacific Islander, 0.1% from some other race and 1.2% from two or more races. 3.6% were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

2000 census
As of the 2000 census, there were 51,979 people, 19,349 households, and 13,911 families living in the county. The population density was 58 /mi2. There were 22,310 housing units at an average density of 25 /mi2. The racial makeup of the county was 64.45% White, 32.70% Black or African American, 0.26% Native American, 0.38% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 1.07% from other races, and 1.12% from two or more races. 2.25% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. There were 19,349 households, out of which 36.00% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.00% were married couples living together, 17.40% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.10% were non-families. 24.70% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.70% 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 3.15.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 29.60% under the age of 18, 9.90% from 18 to 24, 27.50% from 25 to 44, 20.80% from 45 to 64, and 12.20% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females there were 91.80 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.70 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $27,479, and the median income for a family was $32,648. Males had a median income of $29,645 versus $19,782 for females. The per capita income for the county was $13,978. About 19.00% of families and 23.00% of the population were below the poverty line, including 31.10% of those under age 18 and 19.80% of those age 65 or over.

Government
The Mississippi County Judge is John Alan Nelson. Formerly a traditionally Democratic area, Mississippi County has voted Republican in the past four presidential elections.

Economy
The economy of Mississippi County transitioned from agriculture (especially cotton) to manufacturing (mostly steel production) beginning in the 1980s. Over $2.1 billion has been invested in plants and supporting infrastructure in the county, with major facilities being operated by Nucor and Big River Steel (a U.S. Steel company). As of 2021 Mississippi County is the second-largest steel producing county in the United States. The county's position near the center of the United States and along the Mississippi River allows the input for steel mills, scrap metal, to be shipped in on barges, often the most inexpensive method of shipping, and by railroad from Memphis. Company executives have also praised the work ethic of the rural farm families of the area as a natural fit for ironworkers.

Public education
Mississippi County is home to the following public school districts, listed in order of student population:

 * Blytheville School District
 * Osceola School District
 * Gosnell School District
 * Southern Mississippi County School District
 * Manila School District
 * Buffalo Island Central School District
 * Armorel School District

The following school districts are based outside of the county but serve portions:
 * East Poinsett County School District
 * KIPP: Delta Public Schools
 * Nettleton School District

Libraries
Mississippi County is served by the Mississippi–Crittenden Regional Library System, which includes the Mississippi County Library System (central library) and 13 branch libraries in communities throughout the county.

Radio
FM
 * FM 88.3 KBCM Blytheville
 * FM 93.9 KAMJ Gosnell
 * FM 96.3 KHLS Blytheville
 * FM 103.7 KAIA K279BJ Blytheville
 * FM 107.3 KOSE-FM Osceola

AM
 * AM 860 KOSE Wilson

Print

 * NEA Town Courier, Newspaper, Blytheville, Arkansas
 * The Osceola Times, Newspaper, Osceola, Arkansas

Television
There are no television stations in Mississippi County, Arkansas. Mississippi County, Arkansas is placed in the Memphis, TN Television Market. Those stations include: However some residents in county may watch stations from the Jackson, TN, Jonesboro, AR, or Little Rock, AR Television Markets.
 * ABC- WATN 24
 * NBC- WMC 5
 * CBS- WREG 3
 * Fox- WHBQ 13
 * PBS- WKNO 10
 * CW- WLMT 30
 * Ion WPXX 50

Cities

 * Blytheville (county seat)
 * Gosnell
 * Joiner
 * Keiser
 * Leachville
 * Luxora
 * Manila
 * Osceola (county seat)
 * Wilson

Towns

 * Bassett
 * Birdsong
 * Burdette
 * Dell
 * Dyess
 * Etowah
 * Marie
 * Victoria

Census-designated places

 * Armorel

Townships

 * Big Lake (Manila)
 * Bowen (Gosnell)
 * Burdette (Burdette)
 * Canadian (Huffman)
 * Carson (Marie)
 * Chickasawba (Blytheville)
 * Dyess (Dyess)
 * Fletcher (Luxora, Victoria)
 * Golden Lake (Wilson)
 * Half Moon Lake
 * Hector (Dell)
 * Little River (Etowah)
 * McGavock (Joiner)
 * Monroe (Keiser, Osceola)
 * Neal (Leachville)
 * Scott (Bassett)
 * Whitton (Birdsong)

title: Mississippi County, Arkansas


text:
Miller County, Arkansas

Miller County is a county located in the southwestern corner of the U.S. state of Arkansas. As of the 2020 census, the population was 42,600. The county seat is Texarkana.

Miller County is part of the Texarkana, TX-AR, Metropolitan Statistical Area.

When first formed, Miller County was Arkansas's sixth county, established on April 1, 1820, and named for James Miller, the first governor of the Arkansas Territory. Additionally, Miller County was the first of the state's counties to be formed upon the creation of the Arkansas Territory. The first five — Arkansas, Lawrence, Clark, Hempstead and Pulaski — were formed during Arkansas's days as part of the Missouri Territory. This county was abolished in 1838.

During the Reconstruction era, it was organized again on December 22, 1874, from a portion of neighboring Lafayette County.

History
When created in 1820, Miller County included most of the current Miller County, as well as several present-day Texas counties. In 1831 the county seat was located what is the current day Clarksville, Texas.

When Arkansas achieved statehood the same year as Texas declared itself an independent republic in 1836, a dispute arose over their common border, with the area in Miller County having representation in both the Arkansas legislature and the Texas congress. In 1837 and 1838, Texas organized Red River and Fannin counties, respectively, in the area. Arkansas attempted to counter by making it a misdemeanor for Miller County residents to hold office in Texas, and then by establishing a county court in Fannin. The attempts were ultimately unsuccessful. In 1845 Texas agreed to annexation by the United States, settling the boundary between Texas and Arkansas. As much of Miller County was lost to Texas, the county was dissolved, with the remaining territory returning to Lafayette County.

The modern Miller County was re-created in 1874 from the parts of Lafayette County lying west and south of the Red River.

Geography
Miller County is located in the southwest corner of Arkansas in the Piney Woods, a temperate coniferous forest. The forests of pine trees initially formed a logging and silviculture industry, though many fields have been cleared from the forest to grow rice, soybeans, corn, and vegetables. The county is also within the Ark-La-Tex region, sharing a tripoint with Texas and Louisiana. The Ark-La-Tex is an economic region anchored by Shreveport, Louisiana, Tyler, Texas, Longview, Texas, and Texarkana. The Red River serves as the northern and eastern boundary of the county, though the watercourse has shifted since the county's reestablishment in 1874. The original Red River continues to serve as the county line between Little River, Hempstead, and Lafayette counties in Arkansas. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Miller County has a total area of 637.48 sqmi, of which 623.98 sqmi is land and 13.50 sqmi (2.1%) is water.

The county is located approximately 143 mi southwest of Little Rock, 73 mi north of Shreveport, Louisiana, and 204 mi east of the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex (DFW) in Texas. Miller County is surrounded by three Arkansas counties: Little River County to the north, Hempstead County to the northeast, Lafayette County to the east; two Louisiana parishes: Bossier Parish to the southeast and Caddo Parish, to the south; and two Texas counties to the west: Cass and Bowie.

Ecology
Miller County is within the South Central Plains Level III ecoregion designated by the Environmental Protection Agency. Within the region, the county contains parts of four different Level IV ecoregions. Throughout the South Central Plains, forests are mostly swamp - southern floodplain forest, unlike the oak–hickory–pine forest of higher, better drained forests in adjacent eco-regions.

Along the north and eastern county boundary, the Red River Bottomlands follows the Red River. This eco-region contains floodplains, low terraces, oxbow lakes, meander scars, backswamps, natural levees, and the meandering Red River. Natural vegetation is southern floodplain forest unlike the oak–hickory– pine forest of higher, better drained compared to adjacent forests. However, the region has widely been cleared and drained for agriculture. The Red River is almost continuously turbid; suspended sediment concentrations are usually much higher than in the Saline River or Ouachita River due to land cover, land use, and upstream lithology differences.

South of Texarkana, the Floodplains and Low Terraces eco-region follows the Sulphur River. It contains frequently flooded forested wetlands, natural levees, swales, oxbow lakes, and meander scars. Longitudinal channel gradients are low and are less than in the Ouachita Mountains. North of the low terraces, a small strip of Pleistocene Fluvial Terraces ecoregion contains level, poorly-drained, periodically wet soils underlain by Pleistocene unconsolidated terrace deposits. Loblolly pine and oaks are common and are adapted to the prevailing hydroxeric regime; pastureland and hayland are less extensive. A vertical sequence of terraces occurs. The lowest terrace is nearly flat, clayey, and has extensive hardwood wetlands. Higher terraces become progressively older and more dissected; they are dominated by pine flatwoods, pine savanna, or prairie; flatwood wetlands are less extensive than on the lowest terrace. The mid-level terrace is veneered with windblown silt deposits (loess). Streams tend to be mildly acidic and stained by organic matter. They have more suspended solids, greater turbidity, and higher hardness values than the Tertiary Uplands.

Hydrology
Miller County is within the Red River watershed. The historic channel of the Red River defines the northern and eastern boundary of Miller County. The Sulphur River, McKinney Bayou, and Bois D'Arc Creek are also important water courses in the county; all tributary to the Red River. Swamps and bayous along the Sulphur River drain much of the western part of Miller County. A levee in the eastern part of Miller County delineates the border between the McKinney Bayou watershed, with everything east of the levee within the Red River floodplain. Areas within the levee are frequently subject to inundation by the Red, including a town evacuation of Garland City in 2015.

Protected areas
Miller County contains two protected areas: the Sandhills Natural Area owned by the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission (ANHC), and the Sulphur River Wildlife Management Areas (WMA), owned by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC). The Sandhills Natural Area preserves 274 acre of undisturbed sandhill vegetation along rolling hills and sandy soils. It is a home to at least 40 rare species of plants, the most of any ANHC Natural Area. The Sulphur River WMA preserves 16520 acre of bottomland hardwood forest, cypress breaks, oxbow lakes, and bayous along the Red River Valley. Established in the 1950s, the area is open to birding, camping, hunting, fishing, and hiking. Within the WMA, 500 acre is maintained as the Henry Moore Waterfowl Rest Area.

2020 Census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 42,600 people, 16,426 households, and 11,108 families residing in the county.

2010 Census
As of the 2010 census, there were 43,462 people, 17,219 households, and 11,685 families residing in the county. The population density was 68 /mi2. There were 19,281 housing units at an average density of 30 /mi2. The racial makeup of the county was 71.6% White, 24.5% Black or African American, 0.7% Native American, 0.5% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 1.0% from other races, and 1.7% from two or more races. 2.4% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 11,685 households, out of which 34.00% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.9% were married couples living together, 17.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.1% were non-families. 27.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.44 and the average family size was 2.95.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 24.3% under the age of 18, 9.1% from 18 to 24, 26.6% from 25 to 44, 26.1% from 45 to 64, and 13.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37.2 years. For every 100 females there were 97.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.6 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $40,307, and the median income for a family was $47,960. Males had a median income of $41,556 versus $30,417 for females. The per capita income for the county was $19,654. About 14.1% of families and 18.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 29.1% of those under age 18 and 12.9% of those age 65 or over.

2000 Census
As of the 2000 census, there were 40,443 people, 15,637 households, and 11,086 families residing in the county. The population density was 65 /mi2. There were 17,727 housing units at an average density of 28 /mi2. The racial makeup of the county was 74.02% White, 22.99% Black or African American, 0.63% Native American, 0.37% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.54% from other races, and 1.43% from two or more races. 1.58% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 15,637 households, out of which 34.00% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.90% were married couples living together, 16.00% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.10% were non-families. 25.60% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.70% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.52 and the average family size was 3.02.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 26.50% under the age of 18, 9.70% from 18 to 24, 28.60% from 25 to 44, 22.10% from 45 to 64, and 13.10% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females there were 95.00 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.10 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $30,951, and the median income for a family was $36,665. Males had a median income of $33,080 versus $21,376 for females. The per capita income for the county was $16,444. About 15.40% of families and 19.30% of the population were below the poverty line, including 27.90% of those under age 18 and 16.50% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Educational attainment in Miller County is typical for a rural Arkansas county, with a 2016 study finding 85.5% of Miller County residents over age 25 held a high school degree or higher, in line with Arkansas and national averages of 85.2% and 87.0%, respectively. Miller County's proportion of population holding a bachelor's degree or higher is 14.5%, significantly below the state average of 21.5% and national average of 30.3%.

Primary and secondary education
Public school districts serving sections of Miller County:
 * Fouke School District
 * Genoa Central School District
 * Lafayette County School District
 * Texarkana Arkansas School District (TASD)

Three of those districts are based in Miller County; TASD is the largest school district in Miller County, with the Fouke District serving approximately the southern half of the county, and the Genoa District serving a small area around Genoa between the two larger districts. Successful completion of the curriculum of these schools leads to graduation from Arkansas High School, Fouke High School, or Genoa Central High School respectively. All three high schools offer Advanced Placement (AP) courses and are accredited by the Arkansas Department of Education (ADE). TASD also offers graduation from the Washington Academy Charter School, an alternative public charter school, and Texarkana Area Vocational Center. Arkansas HS offers concurrent credit agreements with nearby University of Arkansas Community College at Hope (UACCH) Texarkana Campus, and is the only school in the county accredited by AdvancED.

Students in the northeast part of Miller County around Garland outside the three Miller County-based districts are within the Lafayette County School District.

Higher education
Miller County contains one institution of higher education, the Texarkana campus of University of Arkansas Community College at Hope, a public community college based in Hope, Arkansas. Texarkana, Texas contains Texas A&M University–Texarkana, a public four-year university with a high percentage of students from Arkansas, and Texarkana College, a community college. Other higher education institutions in the region include Cossatot Community College in De Queen, Arkansas, Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia, and several institutions in the vicinity of Shreveport, Louisiana.

Libraries
The Texarkana Public Library is located at 600 West 3rd Street. TPL offers books, e-books, media, reference, youth, business and genealogy services. In Fouke, the Ann & Dewey Fowler Community Library is located at 305 N Snell Street in a restored Victorian house.

Public health
Miller County's above-average poverty rate indicates a high Medicaid eligibility rate. As of 2012, 32.4% of Miller County was eligible for Medicaid, with 61.7% of children under 19 eligible for ARKids First, a program by the Arkansas Department of Human Services that combines children's Medicaid (ARKids A) and other programs for families with higher incomes (ARKids B). The county's population is significantly above healthy weight, with 54.0% of adults and 38.0% of children/adolescents ranking as overweight or obese, compared to the state averages of 67.1% and 39.3%, respectively. These rates are significantly above national averages of 62.9% and 30.3%, respectively.

The Christus St. Michael Health System and Wadley Regional Medical Center in Texarkana are community hospitals offering acute inpatient care, emergency care, surgery, rehabilitation, therapy, and senior care services. The facilities are both rated Level 3 Trauma Centers by the Arkansas Department of Health. The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) offers a family medicine residency program at the UAMS Southwest Area Health Education Center in Texarkana. CHI St. Vincent Hot Springs in Hot Springs is a referral hospital in the region, focusing on neurosurgery, cancer treatment, cardiovascular care, and orthopaedics.

The nearest Level 1 Trauma Center is University Health in Shreveport.

Public safety
The Miller County Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency in the county. The agency is led by the Miller County Sheriff, an official elected by countywide vote every four years.

The county is under the jurisdiction of the 37th District Court, a state district court. State district courts in Arkansas are courts of original jurisdiction for criminal, civil (up to $25,000), small claims, and traffic matters. State district courts are presided over by a full-time District Judge elected to a four-year term by a districtwide election. The judge presides over both the Texarkana Department at 100 North State Line Avenue in Texarkana and the Miller County Department at the Miller County Correctional Facility at 2300 East Street.

Superseding district court jurisdiction is the 8th Judicial Circuit Court South, which covers Miller and Lafayette counties. The 8th Circuit South contains three circuit judges, elected to six-year terms circuitwide. Circuit court is held at the Miller County Courthouse at 400 Laurel Street in Texarkana.

Government

The county government is a constitutional body granted specific powers by the Constitution of Arkansas and the Arkansas Code. The quorum court is the legislative branch of the county government and controls all spending and revenue collection. Representatives are called justices of the peace and are elected from county districts every even-numbered year. The number of districts in a county vary from nine to fifteen, and district boundaries are drawn by the county election commission. The Miller County Quorum Court has eleven members. Presiding over quorum court meetings is the county judge, who serves as the chief operating officer of the county. The county judge is elected at-large and does not vote in quorum court business, although capable of vetoing quorum court decisions.

Politics
Since the mid-20th century, Miller County has transitioned from reliably Democratic to steady Republican in national, state and local elections. Miller County was part of the Solid South, a period of Democratic hegemony which began after Reconstruction following the Civil War. This resulted essentially in a one-party system, in which a candidate's victory in Democratic primary elections was tantamount to election to the office itself. The Solid South started to dissolve following the Civil Rights Act in 1964, which is when Miller County's streak of supporting Democratic candidates ended. The county would support every Republican presidential candidate after 1964, with exceptions for fellow Southerners: Alabama Governor George Wallace in 1968, Georgia Governor Jimmy Carter in 1976, and fellow Arkansan Bill Clinton in 1992 and 1996. Republican strength has been growing rapidly in Miller County, supporting George Bush with 53 and 58 percent of the vote, supporting Barack Obama’s opponents with 66 and 69 percent of the vote, and supporting Donald Trump with 70.2 and 72.1 percent of the vote.

In Congress, Arkansas has been represented by two Republican senators (John Boozman and Tom Cotton) since January 3, 2015, ending a long history of Democratic hegemony. In the House of Representatives, Miller County is within the Arkansas 4th district, which contains Southwest Arkansas, the Arkansas River Valley, and a few Ozark counties. The Arkansas 4th has been represented by Bruce Westerman since 2014.

In the Arkansas Senate, Miller County is within the 11th District. The district also contains Little River and Lafayette counties, and parts of Hempstead and Sevier counties. The 11th has been represented by Jimmy Hickey Jr. (R) of Texarkana since 2013. In the Arkansas House of Representatives, Miller County contains two Districts. The 1st District is almost coterminal with Texarkana, with the rest of the county within the 2nd District. The 2nd District also covers most of Lafayette County and parts of Columbia County, including Magnolia. The Texarkana district has been represented by Carol Dalby (R) since 2016, with the 2nd District represented by Lane Jean (R) since 2012.

Miller County has produced some successful politicians, including three longtime members of the U.S. House of Representatives: Mike Ross represented the Arkansas 4th from 2001 to 2013, Walter E. Rogers represented the Texas's 18th from 1951 to 1967, and Max Sandlin represented the Texas 1st from 1997 to 2005. William F. Kirby served as Arkansas Attorney General from 1907 to 1909, Arkansas Supreme Court Associate Justice from 1910 to 1916 and 1926 to 1934, and represented Arkansas in the U.S. Senate from 1916 to 1921.

Taxation
Property tax is assessed by the Miller County Assessor annually based upon the fair market value of the property and determining which tax rate, commonly called a millage in Arkansas, will apply. The rate depends upon the property's location with respect to city limits, school district, and special tax increment financing (TIF) districts. This tax is collected by the Randolph County Collector between the first business day of March of each year through October 15 without penalty. The Miller County Treasurer disburses tax revenues to various government agencies, such as cities, county road departments, fire departments, libraries, and police departments in accordance with the budget set by the quorum court.

Due to Miller County's proximity to Texas, which has no state personal income tax, special taxation exemptions apply to residents with permanent addresses within the city limits of Texarkana. The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) requires taxpayers to submit the Texarkana Employee's Withholding Exemption Certificate with their Arkansas tax return. Taxpayers are exempt from Arkansas income tax, and residents of Texarkana, Texas are exempt from Arkansas income tax from any income earned within the city limits of Texarkana, Arkansas.

Sales and use taxes in Arkansas are voter approved and collected by the DFA. Arkansas's statewide sales and use tax has been 6.5% since July 1, 2013. Miller County has an additional sales and use tax of 1.25%, which has been in effect since October 1, 2012. Within Miller County, the City of Texarkana has an additional 2.5% sales and use tax since January 1, 2008, and the towns of Fouke and Garland having an additional 1.0% sales and use tax, each since the early 1980s The Arkansas State Treasurer disburses tax revenue to counties/cities in accordance with tax rules.

City

 * Texarkana (county seat)

Towns

 * Fouke
 * Garland

Unincorporated communities

 * Artex
 * Beck
 * Black Diamond
 * Boggy
 * Boyd
 * Brightstar
 * Capps City
 * Clear Lake Junction
 * Clipper
 * Doddridge
 * Dooley
 * Fairland
 * Ferguson Crossroads
 * Fort Lynn
 * Genoa
 * Gertrude
 * Hammons
 * Hervey
 * Homan
 * Index
 * Jonesville
 * Kiblah
 * Lakewood Estates
 * Mandeville
 * Mayton
 * McKinney
 * Mount Pleasant
 * Paup
 * Pleasant Hill
 * Ravanna
 * Rocky Mound
 * Rondo
 * Smithville
 * Sylverino

Historical communities

 * Boggy
 * Era
 * Roverts
 * Spring Bank
 * Wona

Townships

 * Beech (Fouke)
 * Cleveland
 * Cut Off
 * Days Creek
 * Garland (Texarkana)
 * Homan
 * Red River (Garland)
 * Sulphur

Major highways

 * I-30 (AR 1957).svg Interstate 30
 * I-49 (AR 1957).svg Interstate 49
 * US 59 (1961).svg U.S. Highway 59
 * US 67 (1961).svg U.S. Highway 67
 * US 71 (1961).svg U.S. Highway 71
 * US 82 (1961).svg U.S. Highway 82
 * Arkansas 108.svg Highway 108
 * Arkansas 134.svg Highway 134
 * Arkansas 160.svg Highway 160
 * Arkansas 196.svg Highway 196
 * Arkansas 237.svg Highway 237
 * Arkansas 245.svg Highway 245
 * Arkansas 296.svg Highway 296
 * Arkansas 549.svg Highway 549

Utilities
The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) is responsible for the regulation and oversight of public water systems throughout the state. Miller County contains six community water systems: Texarkana Water Utilities (TWU), Fouke Waterworks, Miller County Public Water Authority (PWA), Garland Waterworks, Eastern Cass Water Supply Corporation, and Shady Acres Mobile Home Park. TWU, a joint department between the two Texarkana municipalities, provides drinking water and fire flows on both sides of the state line, including several partner cities in Texas. Its source waters are Lake Millwood in Arkansas and Lake Wright Patman in Texas. Miller County PWA purchases water from TWU, and has the same executive director as of February 2018. The remaining systems have retail populations served under 1,000, and are groundwater systems.

title: Miller County, Arkansas


text:
Marion County, Arkansas

Marion County is located in the Ozark Mountains in the U.S. state of Arkansas. The county is named for Francis Marion, the famous "Swamp Fox" of the Revolutionary War. Created as Arkansas's 35th county in 1836, Marion County is home to one incorporated town and four incorporated cities, including Yellville, the county seat. The county is also the site of numerous unincorporated communities and ghost towns. The county included part of what is now Searcy County, Arkansas, with many opposing to dividing them, which helped fueled the bloody Tutt-Everett War between 1844 and 1850.

Occupying 640 sqmi, the county's population was 16,826 as of the 2020 Census. Based on population, the county ranks 42nd of the 75 in Arkansas. Located in the Ozarks, the county is largely covered with rugged terrain and waterways, with the exception of King's Prairie in the southwestern portion. It is drained by the White River, Buffalo River, Crooked Creek, and the Little North Fork of White River. Protected areas of the county include Bull Shoals-White River State Park, Ozark National Forest, the Buffalo National River and four wildlife management areas (WMAs).

Although no Interstate highways are located in Marion County, two United States highways (U.S. Route 62 [US 62] and US 412) and eight Arkansas state highways run in the county.

History
Prior to white settlement, the Ozark Plateau was inhabited by the Osage Indians for centuries. Present-day Arkansas was under French rule from 1682 until the Spanish took over in 1762. The territory was returned to France in 1800 and then sold to the United States as part of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. In 1812, the Territory of Missouri was formed, containing all of the Louisiana Purchase except the modern state of Louisiana. To manage this expansive and sparsely populated territory, counties were formed. New Madrid County, Missouri covered much of southeastern Missouri and the northern part of Arkansas. This county was eventually subdivided into Lawrence County, which was later subdivided into Izard County.

Marion County was formerly home to a large zinc mining industry. The ruins of the Rush Creek mining district are preserved as the Rush Historic District, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 640 sqmi, of which 597 sqmi is land and 43 sqmi (6.8%) is water.

Adjacent counties

 * Ozark County, Missouri (north)
 * Baxter County (east)
 * Searcy County (south)
 * Boone County (west)
 * Taney County, Missouri (northwest)

National protected areas

 * Buffalo National River (part)
 * Buffalo National River Wilderness
 * Ozark National Forest (part)

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 16,826 people, 6,782 households, and 4,438 families residing in the county.

2000 census
As of the 2000 census, there were 16,140 people, 6,776 households, and 4,871 families residing in the county. The population density was 27 /mi2. There were 8,235 housing units at an average density of 14 /mi2. The racial makeup of the county was 97.52% White, 0.12% Black or African American, 0.76% Native American, 0.20% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 0.13% from other races, and 1.22% from two or more races. 0.76% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 6,776 households, out of which 26.00% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.30% were married couples living together, 7.40% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.10% were non-families. 24.90% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.40% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.36 and the average family size was 2.79.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 22.10% under the age of 18, 6.00% from 18 to 24, 23.30% from 25 to 44, 28.50% from 45 to 64, and 20.00% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 44 years. For every 100 females there were 97.90 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.80 males. The median income for a household in the county was $26,737, and the median income for a family was $32,181. Males had a median income of $22,877 versus $17,729 for females. The per capita income for the county was $14,588. About 11.50% of families and 15.20% of the population were below the poverty line, including 23.50% of those under age 18 and 14.40% of those age 65 or over.

Government
The county government is a constitutional body granted specific powers by the Constitution of Arkansas and the Arkansas Code. The quorum court is the legislative branch of the county government and controls all spending and revenue collection. Representatives are called justices of the peace and are elected from county districts every even-numbered year. The number of districts in a county vary from nine to fifteen, and district boundaries are drawn by the county election commission. The Marion County Quorum Court has nine members. Presiding over quorum court meetings is the county judge, who serves as the chief operating officer of the county. The county judge is elected at-large and does not vote in quorum court business, although capable of vetoing quorum court decisions.

Politics
Over the past few election cycles Marion County has trended heavily towards the GOP. The last Democrat to carry this county was Bill Clinton in 1996.

Taxation
Property tax is assessed by the Marion County Assessor annually based upon the fair market value of the property and determining which tax rate, commonly called a millage in Arkansas, will apply. The rate depends upon the property's location with respect to city limits, school district, and special tax increment financing (TIF) districts. This tax is collected by the Marion County Collector between the first business day of March of each year through October 15 without penalty. The Marion County Treasurer disburses tax revenues to various government agencies, such as cities, county road departments, fire departments, libraries, and police departments in accordance with the budget set by the quorum court.

Sales and use taxes in Arkansas are voter approved and collected by the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration. Arkansas's statewide sales and use tax has been 6.5% since July 1, 2013. Marion County has an additional sales and use tax of 1.75%, which has been in effect since April 1, 2017. Within Marion County, the five municipalities each also have additional sales and use tax: Bull Shoals and Yellville levy an additional 2%, Flippin and Summit 1%, and Pyatt 0.5%. The Arkansas State Treasurer disburses state tax revenue to counties/cities in accordance with tax rules.

Cities

 * Bull Shoals
 * Flippin
 * Summit
 * Yellville (county seat)

Town

 * Pyatt

Census-designated places

 * Oakland

Townships
Note: Unlike most Arkansas counties, Marion County only has one single township (named "Marion County"). That township encompasses the entire county.

 * Marion County

Major highways

 * [[Image:US 62 (1961).svg|20px]] US 62
 * [[Image:US 412.svg|25px]] US 412
 * US 62B.svg U.S. Route 62 Business
 * US 62S.svg U.S. Route 62 Spur
 * Arkansas 14.svg Highway 14
 * Arkansas 101.svg Highway 101
 * Arkansas 125.svg Highway 125
 * Arkansas 178.svg Highway 178
 * Arkansas 202.svg Highway 202
 * Arkansas 206.svg Highway 206
 * Arkansas 235.svg Highway 235
 * Arkansas 268.svg Highway 268
 * Arkansas 980(Airport).svg Airport Highway 980

title: Marion County, Arkansas


text:
Madison County, Arkansas

Madison County is a county located in the U.S. state of Arkansas. As of the 2020 census, the population was 16,521. The county seat is Huntsville. The county was formed on September 30, 1836, and named for Madison County, Alabama, the home of some early settlers. They also named the county seat after Madison County in Alabama's county seat, Huntsville.

Madison County is part of the Northwest Arkansas region.

Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 837 sqmi, of which 834 sqmi is land and 2.8 sqmi (0.3%) is water.

Adjacent counties

 * Carroll County (north)
 * Newton County (east)
 * Johnson County (southeast)
 * Franklin County (south)
 * Crawford County (southwest)
 * Washington County (west)
 * Benton County (northwest)

National protected area

 * Ozark National Forest (part)

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 16,521 people, 6,279 households, and 4,318 families residing in the county.

2000 census
As of the 2000 census, there were 14,243 people, 5,463 households, and 4,080 families residing in the county. The population density was 7 /km2. There were 6,537 housing units at an average density of 3 /km2. The racial makeup of the county was 95.94% White, 0.11% Black or African American, 1.22% Native American, 0.06% Asian, 0.09% Pacific Islander, 1.47% from other races, and 1.10% from two or more races. 3.06% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 5,463 households, out of which 33.90% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 63.00% were married couples living together, 7.90% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.30% were non-families. 22.40% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.40% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.59 and the average family size was 3.03.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 26.80% under the age of 18, 7.50% from 18 to 24, 27.00% from 25 to 44, 24.30% from 45 to 64, and 14.40% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 99.70 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.30 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $27,895, and the median income for a family was $32,910. Males had a median income of $24,911 versus $18,786 for females. The per capita income for the county was $14,736. About 14.70% of families and 18.60% of the population were below the poverty line, including 24.60% of those under age 18 and 18.00% of those age 65 or over.

Government
During the Secession Convention of 1861, Arkansas voted to leave the Union and join the Confederate States of America. When Chairman David Walker called for a second vote seeking a unanimous decision, only Madison County representative Isaac Murphy refused to change his vote. Murphy would later be appointed Governor of Arkansas during Reconstruction under Abraham Lincoln's conciliatory policy.

Madison County is strongly Republican, and voted for the Republican candidate several times even when Arkansas was part of the "Solid South". A Democrat has carried the county only four times since 1940.

Major highways

 * [[Image:US 412.svg|25px]] U.S. Highway 412
 * [[Image:Arkansas 12.svg|20px]] Highway 12
 * [[Image:Arkansas 16.svg|20px]] Highway 16
 * [[Image:Arkansas 21.svg|20px]] Highway 21
 * [[Image:Arkansas 23.svg|20px]] Highway 23
 * [[Image:Arkansas 45.svg|20px]] Highway 45
 * [[Image:Arkansas 74.svg|20px]] Highway 74

Airport
The Huntsville Municipal Airport is a public-use airport located two nautical miles (4 km) southwest of the central business district of Huntsville.

City

 * Huntsville (county seat)

Towns

 * Hindsville
 * St. Paul

Unincorporated communities

 * Delaney
 * Kingston
 * Marble
 * Clifty
 * Forum
 * Weathers
 * Witter
 * Japton
 * Combs
 * Pettigrew
 * Wesley
 * Aurora

Notable residents

 * Orval E. Faubus (1910–1994), governor of Arkansas during the desegregation days, was from the Combs community near Huntsville. He is buried in Combs Cemetery.
 * Ronnie Hawkins, rockabilly singer. His backing band, The Hawks, later played with Bob Dylan and eventually became The Band.
 * Danny L. Patrick, Republican member of the Arkansas House of Representatives from Madison and Carroll counties from 1967 to 1970.
 * John Selman, outlaw and lawman, best known for killing John Wesley Hardin in 1895, was born in Madison County.
 * Charles Whorton Jr., Democrat Member of the Arkansas House of Representatives 1991 to1998, Madison County Judge 1973 to 1988, Madison County Clerk 1955 to 1972
 * George William Fullerton (1923-2009), He is credited with design contributions that led to the manufacture of the first mass-produced solid-body electric guitar.

title: Madison County, Arkansas


text:
Lonoke County, Arkansas

Lonoke County is a county located in the Central Arkansas region of the U.S. state of Arkansas. As of the 2020 census, the population was 74,015, making it the 10th-most populous of Arkansas's 75 counties. The county seat is Lonoke and largest city is Cabot. Included in the Central Arkansas metropolitan area, with Little Rock as the principal city, it is an alcohol prohibition or dry county.

Etymology
Lonoke County was named for the "lone oak" located in the county at the time of its formation, by simply spelling it phonetically, at the suggestion of the chief engineer of the Cairo & Fulton Railroad.

History
Formed on April 16, 1873, from Pulaski and Prairie counties, Lonoke County's varied geography can be roughly broken into thirds horizontally. The top third has rolling hills at the edge of the Ozarks, including the Cabot area. The middle third, including the Lonoke area, contains portions of the Grand Prairie, a flat native grassland today known for rice farming, an important part of the culture, economy and history of Lonoke County. The southern third, including the Scott area, is home to the alluvial soils of the Arkansas Delta. Historically, a military road and a railroad brought settlers to the area, and cotton cultivation was very profitable. In 1904, a demonstration that rice could grow well on the same land coupled with sinking cotton prices drove the area into rice cultivation. During World Wars I and II, Lonoke County was home to Eberts Field, a U.S. Army airfield. Today the land is used in aquaculture.

Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 803 sqmi, of which 771 sqmi is land and 32 sqmi (4.0%) is water.

Major highways

 * [[Image:I-40 (AR).svg|20px]] Interstate 40
 * [[Image:I-57 (Future).svg|20px]] Future Interstate 57
 * [[Image:US 67.svg|20px]] U.S. Highway 67
 * [[Image:US 70.svg|20px]] U.S. Highway 70
 * [[Image:US 165.svg|25px]] U.S. Highway 165
 * [[Image:US 167.svg|25px]] U.S. Highway 167
 * [[Image:Arkansas 5.svg|20px]] Highway 5
 * [[Image:Arkansas 13.svg|20px]] Highway 13
 * [[Image:Arkansas 15.svg|20px]] Highway 15
 * [[Image:Arkansas 31.svg|20px]] Highway 31
 * [[Image:Arkansas 38.svg|20px]] Highway 38
 * [[Image:Arkansas 89.svg|20px]] Highway 89

Adjacent counties

 * White County (north)
 * Prairie County (east)
 * Arkansas County (southeast)
 * Jefferson County (south)
 * Pulaski County (west)
 * Faulkner County (northwest)

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 74,015 people, 26,052 households, and 18,824 families residing in the county.

2000 census
As of the 2000 census, there were 52,828 people, 19,262 households, and 15,024 families residing in the county. The population density was 69 PD/sqmi. There were 20,749 housing units at an average density of 27 /mi2. The racial makeup of the county was 91.03% White, 6.44% Black or African American, 0.49% Native American, 0.42% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.51% from other races, and 1.08% from two or more races. 1.75% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 19,262 households, out of which 40.30% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 63.30% were married couples living together, 10.60% had a female householder with no husband present, and 22.00% were non-families. 19.00% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.60% 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 county, the population was spread out, with 28.70% under the age of 18, 8.00% from 18 to 24, 30.90% from 25 to 44, 21.90% from 45 to 64, and 10.40% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.80 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.50 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $40,314, and the median income for a family was $46,173. Males had a median income of $32,451 versus $22,897 for females. The per capita income for the county was $17,397. About 8.10% of families and 10.50% of the population were below the poverty line, including 12.20% of those under age 18 and 13.60% of those age 65 or over.

Government and infrastructure
Lonoke County is home to Camp Nelson Confederate Cemetery, Plantation Agriculture Museum, and Plum Bayou Mounds Archeological State Park.

Politics
Over the past few election cycles, Lonoke County has trended heavily towards the Republican party. The last Democrat (as of 2020) to carry the county was Bill Clinton in 1996.

Cities

 * Austin
 * Cabot
 * Carlisle
 * England
 * Humnoke
 * Lonoke (county seat)
 * Ward

Towns

 * Allport
 * Coy
 * Keo

Census-designated place

 * Scott

Townships

 * Butler
 * Carlisle (Carlisle)
 * Caroline (Austin, small part of Cabot, part of Ward)
 * Cleveland
 * Crooked Creek (Allport, Humnoke)
 * Dortch (CDP Scott)
 * Eagle
 * Fletcher
 * Furlow
 * Goodrum
 * Gray
 * Gum Woods (England)
 * Hamilton
 * Indian Bayou (Coy)
 * Isbell
 * Lafayette (Keo)
 * Lonoke (Lonoke)
 * Magness (part of Cabot)
 * Oak Grove (small part of Cabot)
 * Pettus
 * Prairie
 * Pulaski
 * Richwoods
 * Scott
 * Totten
 * Walls
 * Ward (part of Ward)
 * Williams
 * York (most of Cabot)

title: Lonoke County, Arkansas