Faulkner County, Arkansas

Administration Building, University of Central Arkansas Blessing Farmstead Brown House Castleberry-Harrington Historic District Century Flyer Church of Christ Conway Commercial Historic District Conway Confederate Monument Crownover-Brown, Earl and Oza, House Dunaway, O. L., House Ealy, Richard and Mettie, House Farmers State Bank Faulkner County Courthouse Faulkner County Jail First United Methodist Church Frauenthal & Schwarz Building Fraunthal House Galloway Hall Garrison, Dennis and Christine, House Greeson-Cone House Guy High School Gymnasium Guy Home Economics Building Hall, Charlie, House Hall-Hogan Grocery Store Halter, Frank U., House Hardy Cemetery Harton House Harton, D. O., House Hendrix College Addition Neighborhood Historic District Hiegel, Michael M., House Hooten, E.E., House Langley, Farris and Evelyn, House Lasley's College Apartments Lee Service Station Liberty School Cafeteria Little, J.E., House Martin Hall Merritt House Merritt, S.D., House Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church Oak Grove Cemetery Historic Section Owens, Silas, Sr., House Patton House President's House Quattlebaum-Pelletier House Robins, Frank E., House Robins, Reuben W., House Robinson Historic District (Additional Documentation) Salter, James and Jewell, House Scull Historic District Sellers House Smith, S. G., House Solomon Grove Smith-Hughes Building Spears House Springfield Bridge Titan II ICBM Launch Complex 374-5 Site Titan II ICBM Launch Complex Site 373-9 Tyler-Southerland House University of Central Arkansas Historic District Ward, Earl and Mildred, House Washburn House Young Memorial

Faulkner County, Arkansas, has a rich and diverse history that spans centuries. It was first inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Quapaw, Osage, and Caddo, who farmed the lands and hunted in the area. European settlers arrived in the late 18th century, with the eastern part of the county becoming a part of the Arkansas Territory in 1819.

The county was officially established in 1873 and named after Colonel Sanford C. Faulkner, a prominent figure in Arkansas history. Agriculture played a crucial role in the early days of the county, with cotton and corn being the main crops. Steamboats also plied the Arkansas River, transporting goods and people to and from the region.

The Civil War had a significant impact on Faulkner County, as it did with many areas in the South. The Battle of Reed's Bridge, fought in the county in 1863, was a part of the larger Little Rock Campaign. Confederate and Union forces clashed, with the Union emerging as the victors and eventually taking control of the state capital.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Faulkner County saw advancements in infrastructure and education. Railroads connected the county to the surrounding regions, allowing for easier transportation of goods and boosting economic growth. Educational institutions, such as Hendrix College and the University of Central Arkansas, were established, providing educational opportunities for residents and attracting newcomers to the area.

Today, Faulkner County is known for its vibrant community, natural beauty, and strong agricultural heritage. It continues to grow and evolve, with a diverse economy that includes agriculture, manufacturing, and education. The county's history is celebrated and preserved through various museums, historical sites, and events, ensuring that the legacy of Faulkner County remains alive and accessible to future generations.
Brief timeline of the history of Faulkner County, Arkansas:

  • 1873 - Faulkner County established as a county in the state of Arkansas.
  • 1874 - The city of Conway becomes the county seat.
  • 1888 - Conway Women's College, the first college for women in Arkansas, is established.
  • 1931 - The University of Central Arkansas is founded in Conway.
  • 1950s - Conway grows rapidly with the opening of new schools, businesses, and infrastructure.
  • 1969 - Hendrix College moves from Altus, Arkansas to Conway.
  • 1980s - Faulkner County experiences substantial population growth and development.
  • 1996 - Faulkner County Historical Society is established to preserve the county's history.
  • 2008 - The Mayflower Oil Spill affects Faulkner County, causing environmental damage.

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