Estes, Horace, House
614 E. Main St., Gurdon, AR Local significance of the building: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.
The Crater of Diamonds State Park, located in Murfreesboro, Arkansas, is the only diamond-producing site in the world that is open to the public. Visitors to the park can search for diamonds and other gems in the park's 37.5-acre diamond field.
During the Civil War, Clark County was divided in its loyalties. Many residents supported the Confederacy, while others sided with the Union. The Battle of Poison Springs, fought in 1864, was a significant event in the county's history, as Confederate forces, including local civilians, clashed with Union troops. The battle resulted in a Union victory, but with heavy casualties on both sides.
After the war, the economy of Clark County shifted from agriculture to industry. The arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s brought new opportunities for trade and transportation, leading to the growth of towns like Gurdon and Okolona. The timber and mineral resources in the county also provided a boost to the local economy, with the lumber industry playing a prominent role for many decades.
In recent years, Clark County has continued to develop, embracing new industries such as manufacturing and healthcare. The county is home to Henderson State University, a higher education institution that has been a central figure in the community since its founding in 1890. Today, Clark County remains a vibrant and diverse region, blending its rich history with a modern outlook for the future.
Clark County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Clark County, Arkansas.
- 1806 - Clark County is established as part of Missouri Territory
- 1818 - Arkansas Territory is created, including Clark County
- 1828 - First county courthouse is built in the newly established county seat of Greenville
- 1832 - Greenville is renamed Clarksville in honor of William Clark, of the Lewis and Clark Expedition
- 1856 - Clarksville becomes the first incorporated town in the county
- 1861-1865 - Clark County residents actively participate in the American Civil War
- 1879 - Clarksville re-incorporated as a city
- 1910 - Gurdon, a town in Clark County, is incorporated
- 1932 - Gurdon becomes the site of Caddo Valley Village, a New Deal resettlement project
- 2005 - Gurdon hosts first annual International Big Foot Conference, promoting local legend