History of Cleveland County, Arkansas

Cleveland County, located in the southern-central part of Arkansas, has a history deeply tied to its agricultural roots and Civil War legacy. Established in 1873, it was originally called Dorsey County before being renamed in honor of President Grover Cleveland. The county’s economy historically centered on cotton, timber, and small farming communities, and it played a significant role in the Civil War due to its location along important transportation routes. Over time, Cleveland County has maintained its rural character while adapting to modern agricultural and economic trends. Today, it remains a quiet and largely agricultural region with a rich historical legacy.

Cleveland County Facts

  • Founded: April 17, 1873
  • Population: Approximately 7,700 (2023 estimate)
  • Area: 599 square miles
  • Area Codes: 870
  • ZIP Codes: 71638–72084
  • County Seat: Rison
  • Major Cities: Rison, Kingsland
  • Famous Landmarks: Marks’ Mills Battlefield, Cleveland County Courthouse, Moro Bay State Park, Cleveland County Pioneer Village

Native American Presence and Early Settlement (Pre-1800s–1830s)

Before European settlement, the area that would become Cleveland County was inhabited by Native American tribes. The region’s forests and rivers provided rich resources for hunting, fishing, and trade. European settlers began to arrive in the early 19th century, establishing small farming communities in what was then a largely undeveloped and isolated area.

Native American Tribes and Early Exploration (Pre-1800s)

  • The Quapaw and Caddo tribes were among the earliest inhabitants of what is now Cleveland County. These tribes used the region’s rivers, such as the Saline River, for fishing and transportation.
  • While early European explorers passed through the region, settlement did not begin in earnest until the early 19th century, following the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, when the United States acquired the area from France.

Early Settlement and Agricultural Beginnings (1820s–1830s)

  • By the 1820s, European-American settlers, primarily from the southern states, began moving into the region. These early settlers established small farms and began cultivating crops such as corn and cotton, which would later dominate the county’s economy.
  • The Saline River and other waterways were vital transportation routes for settlers, allowing them to move goods and crops to larger markets.

Establishment of Dorsey County and Civil War Era (1860s–1870s)

The period leading up to the Civil War was one of growth for the area, but the conflict dramatically impacted the region. Cleveland County played a role in the Civil War, with battles fought in and around the area. After the war, the county was established and later renamed, marking the beginning of a new chapter in its history.

Civil War Impact on the Region (1861–1865)

  • 1861: When Arkansas seceded from the Union and joined the Confederacy, the region now known as Cleveland County was deeply affected by the war. Many local men enlisted in Confederate forces, and the area’s farms and transportation routes became strategically important for both sides.
  • 1864: One of the most significant events of the Civil War in the region was the Battle of Marks’ Mills, fought on April 25, 1864, in what is now Cleveland County. This Confederate victory was part of the larger Camden Expedition and played a role in disrupting Union supply lines in Arkansas.

Formation of Dorsey County (1873)

  • 1873: Following the Civil War and Reconstruction, the county was officially established as Dorsey County on April 17, 1873, named after U.S. Senator Stephen Dorsey. The county was formed from portions of Bradley, Jefferson, Dallas, and Lincoln counties.
  • The county seat was located in Rison, a small but growing community that would later become the center of government and commerce for the region.

Renaming to Cleveland County (1885)

  • 1885: The county’s name was changed to Cleveland County in honor of President Grover Cleveland, who had been elected to his first term as president in 1884. The renaming reflected the shifting political landscape of the time and marked a new era for the county.

Late 19th Century: Agriculture and Timber Industry Growth (1880s–1920s)

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Cleveland County’s economy continued to grow, driven by agriculture and the rise of the timber industry. Cotton was the dominant crop, and the timber industry flourished as local forests were harvested for lumber.

Cotton as the Economic Backbone (1880s–1920s)

  • 1880s–1920s: Cotton became the primary cash crop for Cleveland County’s farmers. The county’s rich, fertile soil and relatively mild climate made it ideal for cotton production. Many local farmers relied on the crop for their livelihoods, and cotton was transported to larger markets via riverboats and railroads.
  • However, much of the county’s agricultural production relied on sharecropping and tenant farming, a system in which landowners allowed farmers to work their land in exchange for a portion of the crops. This system often kept sharecroppers in poverty and contributed to economic inequality in the region.

The Rise of the Timber Industry (1890s–1920s)

  • By the 1890s, the county’s vast forests of pine and hardwood became a significant economic resource. The timber industry grew rapidly as local sawmills processed lumber for export, providing jobs and economic growth for the region.
  • The timber industry also contributed to the development of the county’s infrastructure, as new roads and rail lines were built to transport logs and lumber to markets across Arkansas and beyond.

The Great Depression and World War II (1930s–1940s)

The economic hardship of the Great Depression had a significant impact on Cleveland County, as the agricultural economy struggled with falling crop prices and widespread poverty. However, World War II brought new opportunities for economic recovery and growth, as the war effort increased demand for agricultural and timber products.

The Great Depression’s Impact on Agriculture (1930s)

  • 1930s: The Great Depression hit Cleveland County hard, as cotton prices collapsed, and many farmers faced foreclosure and poverty. The system of tenant farming and sharecropping, already precarious, became even more unsustainable as crop prices plummeted.
  • The federal government’s New Deal programs, such as the Agricultural Adjustment Act (AAA), helped stabilize crop prices and provided relief to struggling farmers. Federal infrastructure projects, including the construction of roads and public buildings, brought jobs and investment to the region.

World War II and Post-War Recovery (1940s)

  • 1940s: World War II brought increased demand for agricultural products and timber, helping to boost Cleveland County’s economy. Many young men from the county served in the military, while those who remained at home contributed to the war effort by working in agriculture and timber production.
  • After the war, the county’s economy continued to recover, with new investments in infrastructure and agricultural modernization helping to improve productivity.

Post-War Growth, Modernization, and Cultural Preservation (1950s–Present)

In the post-war period, Cleveland County continued to develop its agricultural and timber industries while embracing modernization and infrastructure improvements. Efforts to preserve the county’s cultural and historical heritage also became more prominent, with several sites linked to its Civil War history being protected.

Agricultural Modernization and Timber Industry Expansion (1950s–1970s)

  • 1950s–1970s: In the decades following World War II, Cleveland County saw continued growth in its agricultural sector. New farming technologies, such as mechanization and chemical fertilizers, helped increase crop yields and reduce the reliance on manual labor.
  • The timber industry also remained a major employer in the county, with advances in logging and milling techniques improving efficiency and productivity. Forest management practices were introduced to ensure the sustainability of the county’s valuable timber resources.

Cultural Preservation and Historical Sites (1980s–Present)

  • 1980s–Present: In recent years, Cleveland County has focused on preserving its historical and cultural heritage. The Marks’ Mills Battlefield, a key Civil War site, was designated a National Historic Landmark, and efforts have been made to protect and promote other historical landmarks such as the Cleveland County Courthouse and the Cleveland County Pioneer Village.
  • These efforts have helped boost tourism in the region, with visitors drawn to the county’s rich history and scenic beauty. The county continues to celebrate its past while embracing modern growth and development.

Modern Economic and Population Trends

  • While Cleveland County remains largely rural and agricultural, the population has remained stable in recent decades. Agriculture, particularly timber and livestock farming, continues to be the backbone of the county’s economy.
  • The county has also diversified its economy to include small manufacturing and service industries, providing additional employment opportunities for local residents.