National Register Listing

Poteau Work Center

a.k.a. SC 0017

Poteau Work Center Access Rd., off AR 80, Waldron, AR
Local significance of the building:
Conservation; Social History

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1993.

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.

conservation social history
The Battle of Helena, which took place in Helena, Arkansas, in July 1863, was one of the largest Civil War battles fought in the state. Union forces were able to repel a Confederate attack, which helped secure control of the Mississippi River for the Union.
Arkansas random facts
Scott County, located in the southwestern part of Arkansas, has a rich and diverse history that spans several centuries. The region was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, such as the Caddo and Quapaw, who relied on the area's abundant natural resources for sustenance. European exploration and settlement began in the early 19th century, with the establishment of trading posts and the influx of pioneers in search of new opportunities.

In 1833, Scott County was officially organized and named after Andrew Scott, a United States Senator from Missouri. The county quickly grew, attracting settlers with its fertile land for agriculture and its proximity to transportation routes, such as the Arkansas River. The timber industry also played a significant role in the county's development, with abundant forests providing jobs and resources for the local economy.

The Civil War had a profound impact on Scott County, as it did on many parts of the South. While many residents enlisted in the Confederate army, the region experienced intense guerrilla warfare and raids by both Union and Confederate forces. After the war, the county faced challenges of rebuilding and economic recovery.

Throughout the 20th century, Scott County continued to thrive in various industries, including timber, coal mining, and agriculture. The county experienced periods of growth and decline, influenced by factors such as economic fluctuations and technological advancements. Today, Scott County remains an important part of Arkansas, with its natural beauty, historical sites, and resilient community that preserves and celebrates its unique heritage.

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

  • 1833: Scott County is established as a county in the state of Arkansas.
  • 1846: Waldron becomes the county seat of Scott County.
  • 1861-1865: Scott County, like the rest of the nation, is heavily impacted by the American Civil War.
  • 1875: The Kansas City, Pittsburgh, and Gulf Railroad reaches the northern part of the county.
  • 1897: The first commercial coal mine in Scott County is opened in the Reeds Creek valley.
  • 1930s: The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) establishes several camps in Scott County, providing employment and infrastructure development during the Great Depression.
  • 1954: The integration of schools is peacefully achieved in Scott County.
  • 2008: Record-breaking floods cause significant damage throughout the county.