Trinity Lutheran Church
7.2 mi. S of Atkins off AR 154, Atkins, AR Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1976.
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 Clinton Presidential Library is located in Little Rock, Arkansas, and is dedicated to the life and legacy of former President Bill Clinton, who was the 42nd President of the United States. The library contains more than 2 million photographs, documents, and artifacts from Clinton's presidency.
The Louisiana Purchase in 1803 opened up the region to American settlement. John Cunningham established the first permanent settlement in the area that would become Conway County in 1809. The county was officially established in 1825 and named after Henry Wharton Conway, a prominent politician from Arkansas Territory.
During the Civil War, Conway County experienced both Union and Confederate occupation. The Battle of Lewisburg took place in the county in 1864, with Confederate troops attempting to stop Union forces from advancing further into Arkansas. In the latter part of the war, Union troops were stationed in the county, and the town of Lewisburg was burned as a result of guerrilla warfare.
Following the war, Conway County saw rapid growth and development. The completion of the Little Rock and Fort Smith Railroad in the 1870s provided improved transportation and boosted economic activity. Agriculture, specifically cotton farming and timber production, became the mainstay of the county's economy.
In the early 20th century, Conway County experienced growth in transportation infrastructure, with the construction of highways and the establishment of public schools. The construction of Nimrod Dam on the Arkansas River in the 1940s further contributed to the county's economic growth by providing hydroelectric power and recreational opportunities.
Today, Conway County continues to thrive with a diverse economy that includes agriculture, manufacturing, and a growing services sector. The county is known for its natural beauty, with the Ozark Mountains and the Arkansas River providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities.
Conway County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Conway County, Arkansas.
- 1825 - Conway County is established as one of the original five counties of the Arkansas Territory.
- 1831 - Morrilton becomes the county seat of Conway County.
- 1861-1865 - Conway County is heavily affected by the American Civil War.
- 1873 - Arkansas River floods cause significant damage to the county.
- 1890 - The railroad reaches Morrilton, improving transportation and facilitating economic growth.
- 1933 - Petit Jean State Park is established in Conway County.
- 1948 - The Toad Suck Ferry is replaced by the Toad Suck Lock and Dam on the Arkansas River.
- 1977 - The Morrilton Historic District is added to the National Register of Historic Places.
- 1996 - The Conway County Museum is established in Morrilton.