History of Fulton County, Arkansas

Fulton County, located in the Ozark Mountain region of northern Arkansas, has a rich history that stretches back to its formation in 1842. Known for its scenic beauty, rugged terrain, and deep agricultural roots, the county was established during a period of westward expansion in the United States. Named after William Savin Fulton, the last territorial governor of Arkansas, Fulton County has experienced significant events such as the Civil War and Reconstruction, which shaped its development. Today, the county continues to be a rural community that balances its agricultural traditions with modern economic and cultural growth.

Fulton County Facts

• Founded: December 21, 1842
• Population: Approximately 12,000 (2023 estimate)
• Area: 620 square miles
• Area Codes: 870
• ZIP Codes: 72531–72583
• County Seat: Salem
• Major Cities: Salem, Mammoth Spring
• Famous Landmarks: Mammoth Spring State Park, Fulton County Courthouse, Cherokee Village, Spring River

---

Early Native American Inhabitants and European Settlement (Pre-1800s–1840s)

Before European settlement, the area that would become Fulton County was inhabited by Native American tribes. The region’s rivers and forests provided abundant resources for these early inhabitants, and European explorers eventually ventured into the area, followed by American settlers in the early 19th century.

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

• The Osage and Cherokee tribes were the primary Native American groups living in what is now Fulton County. These tribes used the region for hunting, fishing, and farming, relying on the area’s rich natural resources, including the Spring River and its tributaries.
• In the 18th century, French and Spanish explorers passed through the region, followed by early American explorers after the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. The purchase opened up the area for American settlement, though significant settlement did not occur until decades later.

Early Settlement and Frontier Life (1820s–1840s)

• During the 1820s and 1830s, settlers from other parts of Arkansas and neighboring states began moving into the region, attracted by the fertile valleys and abundant game. Many of these early settlers were farmers who cleared the land for agriculture, growing corn and wheat, and raising livestock.
• By the early 1840s, the population had grown enough to justify the creation of a new county, leading to the establishment of Fulton County in 1842.

Formation of Fulton County and Antebellum Growth (1842–1860s)

Fulton County was officially formed in 1842 during a period of rapid settlement and development in northern Arkansas. The county’s early economy was primarily based on agriculture and small-scale farming. Its geographic isolation and rugged terrain contributed to its slower population growth compared to other parts of the state.

Establishment of Fulton County (1842)

• December 21, 1842: Fulton County was officially established by the Arkansas General Assembly, carved out of parts of Izard and Lawrence counties. It was named after William Savin Fulton, the last governor of the Arkansas Territory before statehood in 1836.
• The county seat was located in Salem, which quickly developed into a small but important center for local government and trade.

Agricultural Economy and Frontier Life (1840s–1860s)

• The early economy of Fulton County was primarily based on subsistence farming, with settlers growing crops such as corn, wheat, and potatoes, while also raising livestock, including cattle and pigs. The county’s rugged terrain made large-scale agriculture difficult, so most families operated small farms.
• As the county grew, small communities and trading posts developed along key routes, and residents relied on the region’s natural resources, including its rivers and forests, for trade and sustenance.

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

The Civil War brought significant disruption to Fulton County, as it did to much of Arkansas. The county saw military activity and suffered economic hardship during the war. The post-war Reconstruction period was marked by efforts to rebuild the county’s economy and social structure.

Civil War Impact on Fulton County (1861–1865)

• 1861: When Arkansas seceded from the Union, many men from Fulton County joined the Confederate Army, while others supported the Union. The county was divided in its loyalties, though Confederate sympathies were more prevalent in the region.
• Fulton County’s remote location meant that it saw little direct combat, but the county was affected by the war in other ways. The presence of both Confederate and Union forces in the region led to raids and skirmishes, and many farms and businesses were disrupted as men went off to fight.
• The county’s agricultural economy suffered greatly, as farms were abandoned and crops went untended. The disruption of transportation routes and the collapse of the Confederate economy compounded these hardships.

Reconstruction and Economic Struggles (1865–1870s)

• After the war, Fulton County, like much of the South, faced the difficult process of Reconstruction. The abolition of slavery forced farmers to adapt to new labor systems, and many turned to sharecropping and tenant farming to continue agricultural production.
• The county’s economy remained largely agricultural, but the post-war period brought significant challenges, including poverty and political instability. Reconstruction-era politics led to tensions between different factions, as former Confederates and newly empowered African Americans sought to rebuild their lives.

Economic Growth, the Railroad, and the Rise of Tourism (1880s–1920s)

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Fulton County experienced a period of economic growth driven by the arrival of the railroad and the development of Mammoth Spring as a tourist destination. Agriculture remained important, but tourism and trade began to play larger roles in the county’s economy.

The Arrival of the Railroad (1880s)

• 1880s: The construction of the Kansas City, Fort Scott and Memphis Railroad through northern Arkansas was a major turning point for Fulton County. The railroad connected the county to larger markets, making it easier to transport agricultural products, livestock, and timber.
• The town of Mammoth Spring grew significantly during this period, thanks in part to the railroad. The Mammoth Spring itself, one of the largest natural springs in the United States, became a popular destination for tourists seeking its cool, clear waters.

Agricultural and Timber Industry Growth (1880s–1920s)

• Agriculture continued to dominate the economy of Fulton County during this period, with cotton, corn, and wheat as the main crops. The railroad allowed farmers to transport their goods more efficiently to markets in Missouri and Arkansas.
• The county’s timber industry also grew as more land was cleared for farming, and the forests of the Ozarks provided a valuable resource for the growing demand for lumber.
• The railroad also brought more settlers to the region, contributing to modest population growth and the development of small towns along the rail lines.

The Rise of Mammoth Spring as a Tourist Destination (1900s)

• 1900s: Mammoth Spring, which produces an estimated nine million gallons of water per hour, became a popular tourist destination during the early 20th century. Visitors came to enjoy the spring’s natural beauty, and the area soon developed resorts, hotels, and other amenities to cater to tourists.
• Mammoth Spring State Park, established later in the century, preserved the area’s natural and historical significance, and today, it remains one of Fulton County’s most well-known attractions.

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

Like much of rural America, Fulton County was deeply affected by the Great Depression, which brought widespread poverty and economic hardship. However, World War II spurred economic recovery, as local farms and industries supported the war effort.

The Great Depression’s Impact on Fulton County (1930s)

• 1930s: The Great Depression devastated Fulton County’s agricultural economy, as crop prices fell and many farmers lost their land. The region, which had already faced economic challenges due to its isolation, was hit hard by widespread poverty and unemployment.
• Federal programs under the New Deal, such as the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and the Works Progress Administration (WPA), provided jobs and infrastructure improvements in the county, including the construction of new roads, schools, and public buildings.

World War II and Economic Recovery (1940s)

• 1941–1945: World War II brought new economic opportunities to Fulton County, as the demand for agricultural products increased during the war effort. Local farmers produced cotton, corn, and livestock for the war, and the county’s economy began to recover from the hardships of the Great Depression.
• Many men from Fulton County served in the military during the war, while those who remained at home contributed to the war effort through increased agricultural production.

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

In the post-war period, Fulton County experienced gradual growth and modernization. The county has maintained its agricultural base while also embracing tourism and outdoor recreation as key parts of its economy.

Agricultural Modernization and Economic Diversification (1950s–1990s)

• 1950s–1990s: Agriculture remained the backbone of Fulton County’s economy during the post-war decades, with advancements in mechanization and irrigation helping to improve productivity. Livestock farming, particularly cattle, became increasingly important alongside crop production.
• The county also saw modest industrial growth and the development of small businesses, particularly in the county seat of Salem. The growth of outdoor recreation and tourism, particularly around Mammoth Spring, helped diversify the local economy.

Preservation and Tourism (1990s–Present)

• In recent decades, Fulton County has focused on preserving its natural beauty and historical heritage. Mammoth Spring State Park and the Spring River attract thousands of visitors each year, providing opportunities for fishing, boating, and camping.
• Efforts to preserve the county’s historical landmarks, such as the Fulton County Courthouse and sites related to the region’s early settlers, have helped boost tourism and promote the county’s cultural heritage.

Conclusion

Fulton County’s history reflects the broader development of rural Arkansas, from its early days as a frontier settlement to its growth as an agricultural and transportation hub. The county’s rugged terrain and natural beauty have shaped its identity over the centuries, and today, it remains a place where history and nature come together. As Fulton County continues to grow, it balances its agricultural roots with modern developments in tourism and recreation, ensuring that its unique character endures for future generations.

---

Sources for Fulton County History

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

• Mammoth Spring State Park for natural beauty and historical significance
• Fulton County Courthouse for a look at the county’s architectural heritage
• Spring River for outdoor recreation and scenic views of the Ozarks