National Register Listing

Rough and Ready Cemetery

a.k.a. DR0072

Approx. 1 mi. SE of Monticello Civic Center on AR 19, Monticello, AR
Local significance of the site:
Exploration/settlement

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1999.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

exploration settlementT gravesites
In the early 20th century, Arkansas became a major producer of rice, thanks to the development of new varieties of rice that could thrive in the state's humid climate. Today, Arkansas is one of the largest producers of rice in the U.S.
Arkansas random facts
Drew County, Arkansas has a deep and rich history that spans several centuries. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Quapaw and Osage, who established settlements along the rivers and in the forests. In the mid-18th century, French and Spanish explorers arrived in the region, establishing trade routes and forges. The Louisiana Purchase of 1803 brought the territory under American control, leading to increased settlement and the eventual formation of Drew County.

The county itself was established on November 26, 1846, named in honor of Thomas S. Drew, the third governor of Arkansas. The remote and fertile land attracted settlers, primarily from the southern United States, who began cultivating cotton and other crops, leading to a boom in agricultural production. The county quickly developed into an important center for the timber and lumber industries, with numerous sawmills and steam-powered planing mills being established.

The American Civil War had a significant impact on Drew County. Like many areas in the South, the county experienced divisions between Confederate and Union sympathizers. While the majority of residents supported the Confederacy, there were several guerrilla warfare incidents and clashes between Confederate and Union troops. After the war, Drew County went through a period of reconstruction and rebuilding, as the economy adjusted to post-war conditions.

In the 20th century, Drew County experienced various changes and developments. The advent of the railroad in the late 19th century led to increased accessibility and facilitated trade, boosting the local economy. The county also saw the growth of educational institutions, such as the establishment of the Arkansas A&M College, now known as the University of Arkansas at Monticello. Today, Drew County continues to be an agricultural and educational hub in Arkansas, maintaining its historical significance while embracing progress and growth.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Drew County, Arkansas.

  • 1815: Drew County, Arkansas is established.
  • 1824: The county seat is established in the town of Monticello.
  • 1829: The first courthouse in Drew County is built in Monticello.
  • 1836: The county's first newspaper, the Monticello Advocate, is established.
  • 1852: The first railroad line is built in Drew County.
  • 1861: Drew County residents vote in favor of secession and support the Confederacy during the Civil War.
  • 1870: Drew County's population reaches over 8,000.
  • 1905: Monticello A&M College (now the University of Arkansas at Monticello) is established.
  • 1933: The Monticello Post-Dispatch newspaper begins publication.
  • 1947: Monticello A&M College becomes the University of Arkansas at Monticello.
  • 1986: The Drew County Historical Museum opens in Monticello.
  • 2002: The Drew County Fair celebrates its 100th anniversary.