Dallas County, Arkansas
Amis House
Atchley, Henry, House
Bank of Carthage
Bird Kiln
Brazeale Homestead
Butler-Matthews Homestead
Charlotte Street Historic District
Cotton Belt Railroad Depot-Fordyce
Culbertson Kiln
Dallas County Courthouse
Dallas County Training School High School Building
Elliott House
Fielder House
First Presbyterian Church
First United Methodist Church
Fordyce Commercial Historic District
Fordyce Home Accident Ins. Co.
Garrison Place
Goodgame, Capt., House
Hampton Springs Cemetery (Black Section)
Knight, Ed, House
Mallett, George W., House
Marathon Oil Service Station
Mt. Carmel Methodist Church
Mt. Zion Methodist Church
Nutt-Trussell Building
Princeton Cemetery
Prosperity Baptist Church
Rock Island Railway Depot
Russell, John, House
Sardis Methodist Church
Smith, Jessie B., House
Tennessee, Alabama & Georgia Railway Steam Locomotive #101
Thomas Homestead
Tulip Cemetery
Waters House
Wommack Kiln
Wynne House
In 1803, the United States, under the Louisiana Purchase, acquired the land that would eventually become Dallas County. In the early 19th century, settlers began to arrive in the area, primarily from other parts of the southern United States. The county was officially established in 1845 and named after George M. Dallas, the Vice President of the United States at the time.
The economy of Dallas County has relied on agriculture since its early days. Cotton became the dominant crop in the region, and large plantations were established to grow and harvest it. Slavery was also prevalent in Dallas County during this time, with many enslaved individuals working on the plantations.
During the Civil War, Dallas County was occupied by Union forces. The war brought significant changes to the region, including the end of slavery and the displacement of many residents. After the war, the county slowly rebuilt its economy, shifting from large plantations to small farms and diversifying the agricultural industry.
Today, Dallas County is known for its natural beauty, with the Ouachita River winding through the area and the picturesque village of Fordyce as one of its main towns. The county continues to be agriculturally driven, producing crops such as soybeans, corn, and poultry. With its rich history and scenic landscapes, Dallas County offers a glimpse into Arkansas's past and present.
Brief timeline of the history of Dallas County, Arkansas:
- 1818 - Dallas County is established as a county in the Arkansas Territory.
- 1830 - Early settlers begin to arrive in the area.
- 1834 - Princeton is designated as the county seat.
- 1846 - Dallas County courthouse is built in Princeton.
- 1859 - The county seat is moved to Princetonville.
- 1864 - The county seat is moved to Princeton once again.
- 1874 - The county seat is moved to Fordyce, where it remains today.
- 1882 - The railroad arrives in Fordyce, bringing economic growth.
- 1884 - Fordyce is formally incorporated as a city.
- 1903 - The Dallas County courthouse in Fordyce is completed.
- 1930s - Timber becomes a major industry in the county.
- 1950s - The county experiences population growth due to industrial development.
- 1995 - The Dallas County Museum is established in Fordyce.
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Dallas County, Arkansas.