National Register Listing

Exchange Bank

a.k.a. Lion Oil Company

Washington and Oak Sts., El Dorado, AR
Local significance of the building:
Industry; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1986.

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.

industry architecture
The Arkansas State Capitol, located in Little Rock, was completed in 1915 and is notable for its Beaux-Arts architecture and gold-plated dome. The building houses the offices of the Governor and the Arkansas General Assembly, and is open to the public for tours.
Arkansas random facts
Union County, Arkansas has a rich history dating back to the early 1800s. Originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Caddo and Quapaw, the area saw its first permanent settlements in the 1820s. The region was open to settlers after the signing of the Treaty of Washington in 1824, which allowed for the establishment of the Lead Hill and Champagnolle plantations. These plantations played a significant role in the economic development of the area.

The discovery of natural resources in Union County, particularly oil and natural gas, brought about a period of rapid growth and prosperity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The first oil well in Arkansas was drilled in Union County in 1921, marking the beginning of the county's importance in the petroleum industry. The oil boom attracted an influx of workers and entrepreneurs, leading to the establishment of El Dorado as the county seat in 1843.

During World War II, Union County experienced another significant period of growth and economic activity. The defense industry played a crucial role in the county's industries, with the construction of chemical plants and defense facilities. Petroleum refineries were expanded, and the population of El Dorado soared as workers flocked to the area.

In recent decades, Union County has faced several challenges due to the decline of the oil industry. Efforts have been made to diversify the economy and attract new industries to the area. Today, the county is known for its natural beauty, historic sites, and the strong sense of community among its residents. Union County continues to hold a significant place in Arkansas history, preserving its heritage while embracing a future of progress and development.

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

  • 1829: Union County was established on November 2
  • 1840: El Dorado became the county seat
  • 1907: The South Arkansas Oil Field was discovered
  • 1921: The El Dorado News-Times newspaper began publication
  • 1927: The Medical Arts Building in El Dorado was constructed
  • 1930: The El Dorado Municipal Airport was established
  • 1951: The Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources opened in Smackover
  • 1996: The South Arkansas Arboretum was established in El Dorado
  • 2012: Union County celebrated its Bicentennial