|
On December 15, 1818 the Territorial Legislature of
Missouri named Clark in southwest Arkansas as one of the first counties.
It comprised, roughly, all of the present Clark, Hot Spring, Garland, Pike
and Dallas counties. It was named for William Clark, governor of the Missouri Territory. The
Caddo, Little Missouri and Ouachita rivers flow through the county. The
first county seat was at the home of Jacob Barkman until 1825 when it was
moved to Biscoeville. In 1827, the government moved to Adam Stroud's home
and then to Greenville in 1830 before settling at Arkadelphia in 1842.
Settlement in Clark County began as early as 1811. Arkadelphia and Gurdon
are its largest town. Each year, thousands of visitors arrive to visit
Lake DeGray State Park and students attend the two universities, Henderson
State and Ouachita Baptist.
- from The Department of Arkansas
Heritage
|
|
