National Register Listing

Crittenden County Courthouse

85 Jackson St., Marion, AR
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1977.

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 law courthouses buildings
Arkansas was part of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, which was the largest land acquisition in U.S. history, and the state was later admitted to the Union as the 25th state on June 15, 1836.
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 condensed summary of the historical journey 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.