Union County, Arkansas

Bank of Commerce Dual State Monument El Dorado Apartments El Dorado Commercial Historic District (Additional Documentation) El Dorado Confederate Monument El Dorado Junior College Building Exchange Bank First Presbyterian Church Goodwin Field Administration Building Griffin Auto Company Building Henley-Riley Historic District James, Randolph, House Mahony Historic District Masonic Temple McDonald, D., House McKinney, Henry Crawford, House McWilliams, J.H., House McWilliams, W.F. & Estelle, House Mount Moriah Masonic Lodge No. 18 Municipal Building Murphy, Charles H., Sr., House Murphy, J.T., No 1 Crater Murphy-Hill Historic District Oakland Rainey, Matthew, House Rialto Theatre Rumph Mortuary Scotland Cemetery Smackover Historic Commercial District Smith, Joel, House Smith-McCurry House Union County Courthouse Willett House

Clyde L. "Smackover" Scott El Dorado Female Institute El Dorado Masonic Temple First Union County Courthouse For Service in Iraq and Afghanistan Mount Holly Cemetery Mount Holly, Birthplace of Arkansas Governor Thomas C. McRae, 1921-1925 Oil in Arkansas Chaos Oil in Arkansas The Discovery Oil in Arkansas The Smackover Field Oil in Arkansas The Wildcatters The Gunfight on El Dorado's Courthouse Square, Oct. 9, 1902 The Gunfight on the Square Union County Second Courthouse

Union County, Arkansas has a rich history dating back to the early 1800s. Originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Caddo and Quapaw, the area saw its first permanent settlements in the 1820s. The region was open to settlers after the signing of the Treaty of Washington in 1824, which allowed for the establishment of the Lead Hill and Champagnolle plantations. These plantations played a significant role in the economic development of the area.

The discovery of natural resources in Union County, particularly oil and natural gas, brought about a period of rapid growth and prosperity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The first oil well in Arkansas was drilled in Union County in 1921, marking the beginning of the county's importance in the petroleum industry. The oil boom attracted an influx of workers and entrepreneurs, leading to the establishment of El Dorado as the county seat in 1843.

During World War II, Union County experienced another significant period of growth and economic activity. The defense industry played a crucial role in the county's industries, with the construction of chemical plants and defense facilities. Petroleum refineries were expanded, and the population of El Dorado soared as workers flocked to the area.

In recent decades, Union County has faced several challenges due to the decline of the oil industry. Efforts have been made to diversify the economy and attract new industries to the area. Today, the county is known for its natural beauty, historic sites, and the strong sense of community among its residents. Union County continues to hold a significant place in Arkansas history, preserving its heritage while embracing a future of progress and development.

Brief timeline of the history of Union County, Arkansas:

1829: Union County was established on November 2
1840: El Dorado became the county seat
1907: The South Arkansas Oil Field was discovered
1921: The El Dorado News-Times newspaper began publication
1927: The Medical Arts Building in El Dorado was constructed
1930: The El Dorado Municipal Airport was established
1951: The Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources opened in Smackover
1996: The South Arkansas Arboretum was established in El Dorado
2012: Union County celebrated its Bicentennial

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Union County, Arkansas.

Union County, Arkansas

National Register Listings 33

Historical Markers 14

Brief timeline of the history of Union County, Arkansas: