Community Planning and Development

Ashley County, Arkansas has a rich and diverse history that spans centuries. The area that is now Ashley County was originally inhabited by native tribes, including the Caddo and Quapaw. European settlers began arriving in the early 19th century, mainly from the southern United States, bringing with them a plantation-based economy and slavery.

The county itself was established on November 30, 1848, named after Chester Ashley, a prominent U.S. senator from Arkansas. The first county seat was located in a small village called Ashley Court House, which later became the town of Hamburg. Like many areas in the South, Ashley County's economy was heavily dependent on agriculture, with cotton becoming its major cash crop. The county saw rapid growth and development during this time, with new towns and settlements being established.

The Civil War had a significant impact on Ashley County. Like many southern states, Arkansas seceded from the Union and joined the Confederacy. The county experienced battles and skirmishes, as Union and Confederate forces sought control over the region. After the war, Ashley County faced the challenges of Reconstruction, which led to social and economic changes, including the end of slavery and the introduction of sharecropping.

In the early 20th century, Ashley County's economy diversified, with the timber industry becoming a major player. Several sawmills were established, bringing jobs and economic stability to the area. The county also saw the emergence of other industries like oil and gas, which further contributed to its growth. Today, Ashley County remains an important agricultural and industrial hub in southeastern Arkansas, with its history and heritage deeply rooted in its past.