History of Conway County, Arkansas

Conway County, located in central Arkansas, has a rich history shaped by its early settlement, agricultural growth, and the role it played during the Civil War. Established in 1825, Conway County was named after Henry Wharton Conway, a territorial delegate to the U.S. Congress. The county’s economy historically centered on agriculture, timber, and the Arkansas River, which served as a critical transportation route. Over the centuries, Conway County has transitioned from a frontier settlement to a modern rural community, preserving its historical significance while adapting to new economic and social realities.

Conway County Facts

• Founded: October 20, 1825
• Population: Approximately 20,000 (2023 estimate)
• Area: 567 square miles
• Area Codes: 501
• ZIP Codes: 72001–72127
• County Seat: Morrilton
• Major Cities: Morrilton, Plumerville, Oppelo
• Famous Landmarks: Petit Jean State Park, Cadron Settlement Park, Morrilton Historic District, Museum of Automobiles, Overcup Lake

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Native American Presence and Early European Exploration (Pre-1800s)

Before the arrival of European settlers, Conway County was inhabited by Native American tribes who utilized the fertile lands and abundant resources of the Arkansas River Valley. Early European explorers and traders passed through the area, laying the groundwork for later settlement.

Native American Tribes and Early European Influence (Pre-1800s)

• The Quapaw and Caddo tribes were the primary inhabitants of the region that would later become Conway County. They relied on the Arkansas River for fishing and transportation, and they cultivated crops such as corn and beans.
• In the late 17th century, French explorers, including Hernando de Soto and others, traveled through the area as part of their expeditions into the Mississippi Valley. However, permanent European settlement did not begin until much later.

Early Settlement and the Louisiana Purchase (1803)

• Following the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, American settlers began moving into Arkansas, drawn by the promise of fertile land along the Arkansas River. The river played a critical role in early transportation and trade, helping to establish the region as a prime location for settlement.
• By the early 19th century, small communities were forming along the river, with settlers engaging in agriculture, hunting, and trading.

Formation of Conway County and Early Development (1825–1860)

Conway County was established during a period of rapid settlement in Arkansas. The county’s economy was initially based on small-scale farming, with cotton becoming an important cash crop. The county also benefitted from its location along the Arkansas River, which facilitated trade and transportation.

Establishment of Conway County (1825)

• 1825: Conway County was officially established on October 20, 1825, making it one of the oldest counties in Arkansas. It was named after Henry Wharton Conway, a prominent political figure in the Arkansas Territory who was a delegate to the U.S. Congress.
• The county seat was initially located in Lewisburg, an important river town that later declined as other towns grew. The county seat was later moved to Morrilton in 1883, which became the economic and political center of the county.

Agricultural Growth and River Commerce (1825–1860)

• During the early years of Conway County’s development, agriculture was the dominant economic activity. Farmers grew cotton, corn, and wheat, and the fertile land along the Arkansas River made the area ideal for farming.
• The Arkansas River was vital to the county’s early development, serving as a major transportation route for goods and people. Riverboats transported cotton and other crops to markets in Little Rock, Memphis, and beyond, helping Conway County prosper.

Civil War and Reconstruction in Conway County (1861–1870s)

The Civil War had a profound impact on Conway County, as it did on much of Arkansas. The county was divided in its loyalties, with both Confederate and Union sympathizers present. The war brought significant hardship to the region, and the post-war period was marked by efforts to rebuild and recover.

Conway County During the Civil War (1861–1865)

• 1861: When Arkansas seceded from the Union, Conway County, like many areas of the state, experienced divisions between Union and Confederate supporters. Many men from the county joined Confederate forces, while others supported the Union.
• The Arkansas River was strategically important during the Civil War, and several skirmishes occurred in and around Conway County. The war devastated the local economy, as farms were abandoned, and transportation routes were disrupted.

Reconstruction and Economic Recovery (1865–1870s)

• After the Civil War, Conway County, like much of the South, faced significant challenges during the Reconstruction period. The county’s agricultural economy struggled to recover, as many plantations and farms were destroyed or left without labor due to the abolition of slavery.
• Sharecropping and tenant farming became common in the county, as former enslaved people and poor white farmers worked the land for landowners in exchange for a portion of the crops. This system allowed agriculture to continue but also perpetuated economic inequality.

Late 19th Century: Railroad Expansion and Economic Growth (1870s–1900s)

The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century was a turning point for Conway County’s economy. The railroad provided new opportunities for trade and commerce, leading to the growth of towns like Morrilton and Plumerville. Agriculture continued to be the backbone of the county’s economy, but the timber and manufacturing industries also began to grow.

The Arrival of the Railroad (1870s–1880s)

• 1870s–1880s: The expansion of the railroad into Conway County was a major factor in the county’s late 19th-century development. The Little Rock and Fort Smith Railroad connected the county to larger markets and facilitated the transport of goods, particularly agricultural products.
• The railroad spurred the growth of towns such as Morrilton and Plumerville, which became important trading and transportation hubs. Morrilton, in particular, grew rapidly and eventually replaced Lewisburg as the county seat in 1883.

Growth of Agriculture and Timber (1880s–1900s)

• Agriculture continued to dominate Conway County’s economy during the late 19th century, with cotton as the leading cash crop. Farmers also grew corn, wheat, and hay, and many local families relied on subsistence farming to meet their needs.
• The county’s timber industry also grew during this period, as the county’s forests were harvested for lumber. Sawmills were established in the county to process the timber, providing jobs and boosting the local economy.

Early 20th Century: Economic Challenges and Modernization (1900s–1940s)

The early 20th century brought economic challenges to Conway County, particularly during the Great Depression. However, the county also experienced modernization, with improvements in infrastructure and agriculture helping to spur recovery and growth.

The Great Depression and Agricultural Decline (1930s)

• 1930s: The Great Depression hit Conway County hard, as falling cotton prices and widespread poverty took a toll on local farmers. Many small farmers lost their land due to foreclosure, and sharecropping became even more widespread as a way to survive.
• Federal programs, such as those implemented under the New Deal, provided some relief to struggling farmers and helped improve infrastructure in the county. These programs brought jobs through projects like road construction and public works.

World War II and Post-War Growth (1940s–1950s)

• 1940s: World War II brought new economic opportunities to Conway County, as the demand for agricultural products increased during the war effort. Many local men served in the military, and those who remained worked to support the war through farming and industry.
• Post-war development saw the expansion of infrastructure, including roads, electricity, and water systems, which helped modernize the county and improve the quality of life for residents. Agriculture remained important, but the post-war years also saw the growth of small manufacturing and service industries.

Late 20th Century to Present: Tourism, Preservation, and Economic Diversification (1960s–Present)

In recent decades, Conway County has embraced its natural beauty and historical significance, becoming a destination for tourism and outdoor recreation. The county has also diversified its economy, with tourism, education, and industry playing increasingly important roles.

Development of Petit Jean State Park and Tourism (1930s–Present)

• One of the most significant developments in the county’s recent history has been the establishment of Petit Jean State Park, Arkansas’s first state park, located on Petit Jean Mountain. The park was created in the 1930s as part of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), and it remains a major tourist destination today.
• Petit Jean State Park draws thousands of visitors each year, offering hiking, camping, and scenic views of the Arkansas River Valley. The park is also home to Cedar Falls, one of the most iconic natural landmarks in Arkansas.

Economic Diversification and Modern Development (1960s–Present)

• While agriculture remains an important part of Conway County’s economy, the county has seen increasing economic diversification in recent decades. Manufacturing, education, and tourism have become significant sources of employment and revenue for the county.
• Morrilton continues to serve as the county’s economic and cultural center, with new businesses and industries supporting local growth. The presence of institutions like the University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton has helped promote education and workforce development in the region.

Conclusion

Conway County’s history reflects the broader story of Arkansas, from its early settlement and agricultural growth to its role in the Civil War and its development in the 20th century. The county’s location along the Arkansas River and its rich agricultural land have made it a vital part of the state’s economy. Today, Conway County balances its agricultural roots with tourism and modern industry, maintaining its historical significance while embracing new opportunities for growth.

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Sources for Conway County History

To learn more about Conway County’s history, visit:

• Petit Jean State Park for natural beauty and recreational opportunities
• Cadron Settlement Park for early Arkansas history and exploration
• Museum of Automobiles for a unique look at the region’s transportation history