National Register Listing

Izard County Courthouse

AR 69 (Courthouse Square), Melbourne, AR
Local significance of the building:
Architecture; Social History

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1993.

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.

architecture social history law courthouses buildings
Arkansas was one of the first states in the U.S. to enact a statewide prohibition on the sale and consumption of alcohol, passing the law in 1915. Prohibition was repealed in the state in 1933, shortly after the end of the nationwide prohibition era.
Arkansas random facts
Izard County, located in the state of Arkansas, has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by indigenous peoples, such as the Osage and Cherokee tribes, who relied on agriculture, fishing, and hunting for survival. However, their way of life changed dramatically with the arrival of European explorers and settlers.

In the early 19th century, Thomas Freeman and Peter Custis led an exploration to the area, and it was during this time that the land was surveyed and mapped. The county was officially established on October 27, 1825, and named after George Izard, a former governor of the Arkansas Territory. The county's first courthouse was completed in 1826 and stood as a symbol of the region's growing importance and prosperity.

During the mid-19th century, Izard County experienced a surge in population growth, attracting settlers from various regions. Agriculture, particularly cotton cultivation, became the main economic activity for many residents. The county also saw the establishment of several small communities and towns, including Melbourne and Calico Rock. However, the outbreak of the American Civil War in 1861 disrupted the county's progress, causing economic declines and social unrest.

In the decades that followed, Izard County slowly recovered from the effects of the war and its residents worked to rebuild their communities. The county's economy diversified, with industries such as mining, timber, and manufacturing emerging as important contributors to the local economy. Today, Izard County retains its agricultural roots while embracing modern developments in areas such as healthcare, education, and tourism, making it a vibrant and thriving community in the heart of Arkansas.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Izard County, Arkansas.

  • 1808 - Izard County was established by the Arkansas Territorial Legislature.
  • 1825 - The county was named after George Izard, the second Governor of the Arkansas Territory.
  • 1845 - The county's first courthouse was built in Mount Olive (now Boswell).
  • 1873 - Melbourne became the county seat, replacing Mount Olive.
  • 1963 - The current courthouse in Melbourne was constructed.
  • 1992 - The Calico Rock Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
  • 2008 - Izard County celebrated its bicentennial.