National Register Listings in
Crittenden County, Arkansas

Crittenden County Bank and Trust Company Crittenden County Courthouse Dabbs Store Earle High School, Old Hamilton Apartments Highway A-7, Gilmore to Turrell Johnson-Portis House Lawrie House Marion Colored High School Memphis and Arkansas Bridge Missouri Pacific Depot Riverside Speedway Turrell City Hall, Old Washington, George Berry, Memorial West Memphis City Hall West Memphis Commercial Historic District Wilson Power and Light Company Ice Plant
The town of Eureka Springs, Arkansas, was founded in the late 19th century as a health resort due to its location near natural springs believed to have healing properties. Today, it is a popular tourist destination known for its Victorian architecture and scenic beauty.
Arkansas random facts
Crittenden County, located in northeastern Arkansas, has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Quapaw, Osage, and Caddo peoples. The Quapaw were the most prominent tribe in the region and had established a thriving agricultural society along the Mississippi River.

European explorers, led by Hernando de Soto, arrived in the area in the 16th century. However, it was not until the 19th century that permanent settlement began. In 1826, Crittenden County was established and named after Robert Crittenden, the first Secretary of Arkansas Territory. The county's proximity to the Mississippi River led to the development of river trade and commerce, which greatly influenced the county's early economy.

During the Civil War, Crittenden County played a significant role as it was located along crucial transportation routes, particularly the Mississippi River. The county experienced both Union and Confederate occupation during the war, leading to a divided loyalties among its residents. After the war, the county faced reconstruction and struggled economically for several decades.

In the early 20th century, Crittenden County began to see growth and development with the establishment of industries such as agriculture, lumber, and manufacturing. The county also saw an increase in population with the arrival of railroad lines, which brought new opportunities for trade and commerce. Today, Crittenden County continues to be a vibrant and thriving community, with a diverse economy that includes agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism.

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

  • 1800s: Crittenden County was organized and established as a county in the Arkansas Territory.
  • 1830s: The county experienced a significant influx of settlers due to the forced removal of Native American tribes, specifically the Choctaw, Chickasaw, Creek, and Cherokee.
  • 1840s: Crittenden County became an important transportation hub with the construction of railroads and the Mississippi River providing access to major trading routes.
  • 1860s: During the American Civil War, Crittenden County was occupied by Union troops for the majority of the conflict.
  • 1870s: Reconstruction efforts were implemented in the county following the Civil War, including the establishment of public schools.
  • 1920s: The county experienced an economic boom with the discovery of oil and natural gas reserves, leading to increased industrialization.
  • 1930s: The Great Depression had a significant impact on Crittenden County, causing widespread unemployment and economic hardship.
  • 1950s: The construction of Interstate 55 provided improved transportation infrastructure and fostered further economic development.
  • 2000s: Crittenden County faced various challenges, including a decline in population and an increase in poverty rates.