National Register Listing

George Ray's Dragstrip

a.k.a. Site #GE0259

AR 135, 0.5 mi. S of US412, Paragould, AR
Local significance of the site:
Engineering

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2006.

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.

engineering
The first Walmart store was opened in Rogers, Arkansas, in 1962 by Sam Walton, who went on to build one of the largest retail chains in the world. Today, Walmart is headquartered in Bentonville, Arkansas, and is one of the largest employers in the state.
Arkansas random facts
Greene County, located in the northeastern part of Arkansas, has a rich history shaped by various cultures and events. The area was first inhabited by Native American tribes, most notably the Osage and Quapaw. European exploration began in the late 17th century when French explorers, including Henri de Tonti, passed through the region. However, it wasn't until the Louisiana Purchase in 1803 that American settlers began to migrate into Greene County.

In the early 19th century, the County was primarily an agricultural region, known for its fertile land and vast timber resources. The first permanent settlement was established in 1833 and was named Crowley's Ridge after Benjamin Crowley, an early settler. The development of the railroads in the late 19th century transformed the county, allowing for the transportation of goods more efficiently. This led to an increase in commerce and the growth of towns such as Paragould, the county seat, and Marmaduke.

The county played a significant role in the Civil War, as it was located along the strategic Memphis and Little Rock Railroad. It witnessed several skirmishes and battles between Confederate and Union forces, including the Battle of Chalk Bluff in 1863. After the war, Greene County experienced a period of post-war reconstruction and recovery.

In the late 20th century, the county continued to evolve economically, with the expansion of industries such as manufacturing and healthcare. Today, Greene County is known for its agricultural production, including rice, soybeans, and cotton, as well as being home to educational institutions like Arkansas State University. The county's rich history, natural beauty, and vibrant community make it a significant part of Arkansas's heritage.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Greene County, Arkansas.

  • 1833 - Greene County was established by the Arkansas territorial legislature.
  • 1841 - The first courthouse in Greene County was built in Gainesville.
  • 1848 - The county seat was moved from Gainesville to Paragould.
  • 1882 - The St. Louis, Iron Mountain and Southern Railway reached Paragould, leading to economic growth.
  • 1901 - Crowley's Ridge State Park was established near Paragould.
  • 1930s - Agriculture became a dominant industry in Greene County.
  • 1940 - The first Rice Festival was held in Paragould, celebrating the importance of rice farming in the county.
  • 1960s - Industrial development increased, attracting new businesses to the area.
  • 1973 - The Paragould tornado, one of the most destructive tornadoes in U.S. history, struck the county.
  • 1996 - The Northeast Arkansas Intermodal Authority was established in Greene County, promoting economic development.
  • Present - Greene County continues to thrive with a diverse economy, including agriculture, industry, and tourism.