Arkansas City, Arkansas
Located about 115 miles southeast of Little Rock and 75 miles southeast of Pine Bluff with a population of just over 600 residents, Arkansas City, Arkansas is the county seat of Desha County. The city is rich in history and natural resources, small in population and large in potential for development and growth. Those moving to Arkansas City will also discover a rural community within a friendly atmosphere.
History:
Incorporated in1870, Arkansas City grew steadily through the later part of the 19th century. In 1891, the city underwent a population boom, swelling the city's population swelled from 5,000 to 150,000 as the nationally recognized federal land giveaway approached. In 1927, a devastating flood destroyed the city. The Great Depression followed, slowing the city’s attempted recovery. However, things would never be the same. Recent successful efforts to establish a zoning ordinance throughout the city's historic district, over time, will allow these pieces of history to shine once again. Through the recording studio and other local music sectors, the city has gradually acquired a reputation for attracting recognized local and national recording artists. A fall music and food festival, "LeveeFest," highlights the area’s music scene every year.
Economy:
Not many small towns in the southeastern part of the country possess more growth potential than Arkansas City. The opportunity for tourism and recreational development, combined with its convenient location just minutes from the country’s newest interstate, Arkansas City is quickly becoming the ideal place for investors. One of the largest cities in a primarily rural and agricultural state, Arkansas City is the state’s second most important area for economic development. For decades, cotton, rice, soybeans and other crops were the area's main source of income. Their cultivation and distribution monopolized the labor force and available capital, making it nearly impossible for other industry to gain traction. During the 1950s and 1960s, however, the Arkansas Industrial Development Corporation, headed by Winthrop Rockefeller, who would later served as governor of the state, began an aggressive campaign to attract manufacturers to the area. Although only a few firms established large operations, hundreds of smaller companies moved to town and set up small factories, which employed fewer than 1,000 workers. Combining a mixture of recreational attractions and its unique history, today, Arkansas City has its largest opportunity for development in the areas of tourism and retirement.
Tourism:
Thanks in large to its proximity to the vast Mississippi River, visitors and residents of the city can enjoy a assortment of outdoor recreational activities including hiking, rafting, climbing and fishing. Bird-watchers, in particular, will enjoy numerous spotting opportunities in the surrounding countryside, such as Choctaw Island, recently recognized by the Audubon Society as an important birding area. Next, head over to the Arkansas City Museum. Housed in a portion of a barracks used at Rohwer Relocation Camp during World War II, this museum is the perfect spot to experience the town’s rich history and diverse communities. Before calling it a night, visit one of the city’s local taverns where you can chat with a few locals over a cold beer. Arkansas City is also home to some of the best small-town dinners in the country. Stop in and treat yourself to a slice of pie or a late night bite.
Colleges/Universities:
Cowley College
Interesting Facts:
• Arkansas City was once considered a vibrant river town; however, the city was all but destroyed during the flood of 1927.
• Arkansas City is the hometown of John Johnson, founder of Johnson Publishing Company, publishers of Jet and Ebony magazines. Founded in 1942, Johnson Publishing Company became the largest Black-owned publishing company in the county.
Helpful Links:
• Arkansas City Real Estate
• Arkansas City Storage Facility
• Arkansas City Insurance
• Arkansas City Dental Offices
• Arkansas City Moving Guide