History of Crawford County, Arkansas

Crawford County, located in the western part of Arkansas along the Oklahoma border, has a rich history that dates back to the early 19th century. Established in 1820, Crawford County is one of the oldest counties in the state and played a significant role in Arkansas’ early settlement, frontier life, and later, the Civil War. The county’s strategic location along the Arkansas River made it an important hub for transportation, commerce, and agriculture. Over time, Crawford County has grown from a frontier outpost into a thriving community that retains its historical charm while embracing modern development.

Crawford County Facts

• Founded: October 18, 1820
• Population: Approximately 62,000 (2023 estimate)
• Area: 604 square miles
• Area Codes: 479
• ZIP Codes: 72901–72956
• County Seat: Van Buren
• Major Cities: Van Buren, Alma, Cedarville
• Famous Landmarks: Van Buren Historic District, Drennen-Scott House, Lake Fort Smith State Park, Crawford County Courthouse, Devil’s Den State Park

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

Before European settlement, the area that is now Crawford County was home to several Native American tribes who relied on the region’s rivers, forests, and fertile lands for hunting, farming, and trade. European explorers and settlers began arriving in the area in the 18th century, paving the way for later development.

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

• The Osage and Caddo tribes were the primary Native American groups living in what would become Crawford County. These tribes used the area’s natural resources to sustain their communities and participated in extensive trade networks.
• European explorers, including French and Spanish traders, began traveling through the region in the 17th and 18th centuries. They established trade routes along the Arkansas River, which became an important artery for early commerce in the region.

Louisiana Purchase and Early American Settlers (1803)

• The Louisiana Purchase in 1803 transferred the land that includes modern-day Arkansas from France to the United States, opening it to American settlers. The Arkansas River and surrounding fertile lands attracted pioneers who began moving westward to establish farms and small settlements.
• By the early 19th century, the region that would become Crawford County saw an influx of settlers, primarily from the southern United States.

Formation of Crawford County and Early Development (1820–1860)

Crawford County was established in 1820 as Arkansas’ fourth county. Its early economy was based on agriculture, trade, and transportation, with Van Buren developing into an important trading post along the Arkansas River.

Establishment of Crawford County (1820)

• 1820: Crawford County was officially established on October 18, 1820, making it one of the oldest counties in Arkansas. It was named after William H. Crawford, a U.S. Senator and Secretary of the Treasury.
• The county seat was initially located at Fortenberry’s Bluff, but it was later moved to Van Buren, which became the primary hub of commerce and government for the county due to its advantageous location along the Arkansas River.

Growth of Van Buren and River Commerce (1820s–1860s)

• Van Buren grew rapidly as an important river port town during the 1820s and 1830s. The Arkansas River was a key transportation route for goods, crops, and people, connecting Crawford County to markets in Little Rock, New Orleans, and beyond.
• The county’s economy during this period was largely based on agriculture, particularly the production of cotton, corn, and livestock. The river provided an efficient means of transporting these goods to larger markets.

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

Like much of Arkansas, Crawford County was deeply impacted by the Civil War. The county’s strategic location along the Arkansas River made it a site of military importance during the war, and the post-war Reconstruction period brought significant changes to the local economy and society.

Crawford County During the Civil War (1861–1865)

• 1861: Arkansas seceded from the Union, and many men from Crawford County joined the Confederate Army. The county’s location along the Arkansas River made it a key supply route and a site of military action during the war.
• 1863: Union forces occupied Van Buren, and a battle occurred in December of that year when Confederate forces tried to retake the town. The Battle of Van Buren was a significant conflict in the area, highlighting the strategic importance of the Arkansas River and nearby transportation routes.
• The war caused widespread destruction to Crawford County’s infrastructure and economy, with many farms abandoned and the riverport economy disrupted.

Reconstruction and Economic Struggles (1865–1870s)

• After the Civil War, Crawford County faced significant challenges during the Reconstruction period. The local economy, heavily reliant on agriculture and river trade, struggled to recover from the war’s devastation.
• Sharecropping and tenant farming became common as former slaves and poor white farmers worked the land in exchange for a portion of the crops. This system allowed agriculture to continue but also perpetuated economic inequality.
• Despite these challenges, the county began to rebuild, and Van Buren slowly regained its status as an important trading center along the Arkansas River.

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 Crawford County, helping to revitalize the local economy. The county became a key transportation hub, and its agriculture and timber industries grew alongside the development of new towns and infrastructure.

The Railroad’s Arrival and Economic Revitalization (1870s–1900s)

• 1870s: The construction of the Little Rock and Fort Smith Railroad connected Crawford County to larger markets and facilitated the transportation of goods, particularly agricultural products and timber. The railroad transformed Van Buren and the nearby town of Alma into important rail stops.
• With the arrival of the railroad, Crawford County’s economy began to diversify. While cotton and corn remained important crops, the county also became a center for timber production as the region’s forests were harvested for lumber.
• Alma, originally a small community, grew rapidly with the arrival of the railroad and eventually became known as the “Spinach Capital of the World” due to its significant production of spinach in the early 20th century.

Agricultural and Industrial Expansion (1880s–1900s)

• Agriculture continued to play a major role in Crawford County’s economy during the late 19th century, with farmers growing a variety of crops, including cotton, corn, and vegetables.
• The county’s timber industry expanded as more land was cleared for farming and lumber production. Sawmills became a major employer, and the region’s forests provided the raw materials for construction and industry.
• The growth of the railroad and the expansion of agriculture and timber helped fuel population growth and the development of new towns throughout the county.

Early 20th Century: Modernization, the Great Depression, and World War II (1900s–1940s)

The early 20th century brought significant changes to Crawford County as it experienced the challenges of the Great Depression and the impact of World War II. The county’s economy diversified, and its infrastructure was modernized during this period.

The Great Depression and Agricultural Hardships (1930s)

• 1930s: Like much of rural America, Crawford County was deeply affected by the Great Depression. Falling crop prices and widespread unemployment took a toll on local farmers, and many lost their land due to foreclosure.
• The federal government’s New Deal programs provided some relief to the county’s struggling residents. Infrastructure projects, including the construction of roads and public buildings, brought jobs to the area and helped stimulate the local economy.

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

• 1940s: During World War II, many men from Crawford County served in the military, and those who remained at home contributed to the war effort through agriculture and timber production. The demand for food and lumber during the war helped boost the local economy.
• After the war, Crawford County experienced a period of economic growth and modernization. Roads, bridges, and other infrastructure improvements made it easier to transport goods and people, and new industries began to emerge alongside the traditional agricultural base.

Late 20th Century to Present: Growth, Preservation, and Economic Diversification (1950s–Present)

In recent decades, Crawford County has experienced steady growth and diversification. The county has embraced its rich historical and cultural heritage, preserving its historic sites and attracting tourists while continuing to expand its agricultural and industrial sectors.

Economic Diversification and Modern Growth (1950s–Present)

• Since the 1950s, Crawford County’s economy has become increasingly diversified. While agriculture and timber remain important, the county has also developed a strong manufacturing and transportation sector.
• Van Buren has grown into a regional commercial center, with new businesses, schools, and industries contributing to the county’s growth. Alma continues to thrive as an agricultural hub, particularly with its production of spinach and other vegetables.

Historical Preservation and Tourism (1980s–Present)

• In recent decades, Crawford County has focused on preserving its rich historical heritage. The Van Buren Historic District, which features many 19th-century buildings, has become a popular destination for tourists interested in the county’s past.
• The Drennen-Scott House, a historic home dating back to the 1830s, has been restored and opened to the public, offering a glimpse into the lives of early settlers in the county. The house, located in Van Buren, is now a museum operated by the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith.
• Lake Fort Smith State Park and Devil’s Den State Park are popular recreational destinations that attract visitors to the county, offering opportunities for hiking, camping, and enjoying the natural beauty of the region.

Conclusion

Crawford County’s history reflects the broader story of Arkansas, from its early days as a frontier settlement to its growth as a hub of agriculture, transportation, and industry. The county’s strategic location along the Arkansas River and its natural resources have shaped its development over the centuries. Today, Crawford County balances its agricultural heritage with modern growth, preserving its rich history while embracing new economic opportunities.

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Sources for Crawford County History

For further exploration of Crawford County’s history, visit:

• Van Buren Historic District for a look at the county’s architectural heritage
• Drennen-Scott House for a glimpse into early Arkansas frontier life
• Lake Fort Smith State Park and Devil’s Den State Park for outdoor recreation and scenic beauty