Drew County, Arkansas
Cavaness, Garvin, House
Drew County Courthouse
Grubbs, Champ, House
Hardy, Robert Lee, House
Hotchkiss House
Jerome Elementary School No. 22
Lambert House
Look See Tree
Monticello Commercial Historic District
Monticello Confederate Monument
Monticello North Main Street Historic District
Monticello Post Office
Ridgeway Hotel Historic District
Rough and Ready Cemetery
Saline Cemetery
Science Building
Selma Methodist Church
Selma Rosenwald School
St. Mary's Episcopal Church
Taylor Log House and Site
Tillar, Frank, Memorial Methodist Episcopal Church, South
Veasey-DeArmond House
The county itself was established on November 26, 1846, named in honor of Thomas S. Drew, the third governor of Arkansas. The remote and fertile land attracted settlers, primarily from the southern United States, who began cultivating cotton and other crops, leading to a boom in agricultural production. The county quickly developed into an important center for the timber and lumber industries, with numerous sawmills and steam-powered planing mills being established.
The American Civil War had a significant impact on Drew County. Like many areas in the South, the county experienced divisions between Confederate and Union sympathizers. While the majority of residents supported the Confederacy, there were several guerrilla warfare incidents and clashes between Confederate and Union troops. After the war, Drew County went through a period of reconstruction and rebuilding, as the economy adjusted to post-war conditions.
In the 20th century, Drew County experienced various changes and developments. The advent of the railroad in the late 19th century led to increased accessibility and facilitated trade, boosting the local economy. The county also saw the growth of educational institutions, such as the establishment of the Arkansas A&M College, now known as the University of Arkansas at Monticello. Today, Drew County continues to be an agricultural and educational hub in Arkansas, maintaining its historical significance while embracing progress and growth.
Brief timeline of the history of Drew County, Arkansas:
- 1815: Drew County, Arkansas is established.
- 1824: The county seat is established in the town of Monticello.
- 1829: The first courthouse in Drew County is built in Monticello.
- 1836: The county's first newspaper, the Monticello Advocate, is established.
- 1852: The first railroad line is built in Drew County.
- 1861: Drew County residents vote in favor of secession and support the Confederacy during the Civil War.
- 1870: Drew County's population reaches over 8,000.
- 1905: Monticello A&M College (now the University of Arkansas at Monticello) is established.
- 1933: The Monticello Post-Dispatch newspaper begins publication.
- 1947: Monticello A&M College becomes the University of Arkansas at Monticello.
- 1986: The Drew County Historical Museum opens in Monticello.
- 2002: The Drew County Fair celebrates its 100th anniversary.
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Drew County, Arkansas.