Benton County, Arkansas

Date: [unknown]
Location: Benton County, Arkansas
Surnames/tags: benton_county,_arkansas arkansas united_states

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Contents 1 Welcome to the Benton County, Arkansas 2 Maps and Boundaries 3 Communities 3.1 Cities 3.2 Towns 3.3 Census Designated Places 3.4 Townships: 4 Landmarks and Attractions 5 National and State Protected Areas 6 Benton County in the Civil War 7 Notables 8 Records and Resources

Welcome to the Benton County, Arkansas

Benton County is a county located in the northwestern corner of the state of Arkansas in the United States. The county was formed on September 30, 1836, and named after Thomas Hart Benton, a United States Senator from Missouri.

Prior to the arrival of European explorers and settlers, the area that is now Benton County was home to several Native American tribes, including the Osage, Caddo, and Quapaw.

In the early 1800s, European-American settlers began to move into the area, attracted by the fertile land and abundant natural resources. By the 1830s, the population of the area had grown to the point where Benton County was officially established as a county.

During the Civil War, Benton County was the site of several battles and skirmishes, including the Battle of Pea Ridge in 1862, which was a significant Union victory that helped secure control of Missouri and Arkansas for the Union army.

After the war, Benton County continued to grow and develop. The arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s helped to spur economic growth, and the county became an important center for agriculture, mining, and manufacturing.

In the early 20th century, Benton County began to experience rapid growth, as more and more people moved into the area in search of economic opportunity. The construction of new highways and the expansion of the transportation network helped to facilitate this growth, and by the 1950s, Benton County had become one of the fastest-growing counties in the state.

Today, Benton County is a thriving center of industry, commerce, and culture. Its population has continued to grow, and it is now one of the most populous counties in the state of Arkansas. The county is home to a diverse array of businesses and industries, including agriculture, manufacturing, technology, and tourism, and it remains an important economic engine for the state and the region.

Maps and Boundaries

• Barry County, Missouri (north)
• Carroll County (east)
• Madison County (southeast)
• Washington County (south)
• Adair County, Oklahoma (southwest)
• Delaware County, Oklahoma (west)
• McDonald County, Missouri (northwest)

Communities

Cities

Bella Vista	Bentonville	Bethel Heights	Cave Springs
Centerton	Decatur	Elm Springs	Gentry
Gravette	Little Flock	Lowell	Pea Ridge
Rogers	Siloam Springs	Springdale	Sulphur Springs

Towns

Avoca	Garfield	Gateway
Highfill	Springtown

Census Designated Places

Cherokee City	Hiwasse	Lost Bridge Village
Maysville	Prairie Creek

Townships:

Note: Most Arkansas counties have names for their townships. Benton County, however, has numbers instead of names.

• Township 1 all of: Garfield, Gateway, Lost Bridge Village, Prairie Creek; parts of: Avoca, Rogers
• Township 2 small parts of: Lowell, Rogers, Springdale
• Township 3 parts of: Lowell, Rogers, Springdale; most of Bethel Heights
• Township 4 all of Cave Springs ; most of: Lowell, Rogers, Springdale (within Benton County); small parts of Elm Springs
• Township 5 part of Rogers
• Township 6 most of Little Flock; almost half of Avoca; small parts of Bentonville, Pea Ridge, Rogers
• Township 7 most of Pea Ridge; part of Bella Vista; small part of Bentonville
• Township 8 part of Bentonville
• Township 9 most of: Bentonville, Centerton; small part of Highfill
• Township 10 most of: Bella Vista, Hiwasse
• Township 11 all of: Cherokee City, Decatur, Gravette, Maysville, Sulphur Springs; small parts of: Centerton, Highfill, Hiwasse
• Township 12 most of Gentry; more than half of Siloam Springs
• Township 13 all of Springtown; most of Highfill; small parts of: Elm Springs, Gentry, Springdale

Landmarks and Attractions

• National Registry of Historic Places There are 149 historical landmarks registered.

• Gentry, Arkansas Wildlife Safari featured in Youtube video "Host Chuck Dovish reveals his ten favorite places in Arkansas. Based on either the spectacular scenery, their uniqueness or the adventure that's available, these ten locations cover all four seasons."

• War Eagle Mill and Bridge and Fall Craft Fair Also featured in the above youtube.com link

"Each fall we join with our neighbors to put on the best craft fair in the country right here in the beautiful War Eagle Valley. Revel in the sights, sounds and aromas of the Ozark’s while enjoying handcrafted work from national artisans. It’s an experience you don’t want to miss. Mark your calendar for Thursday, October 19th through Sunday, October 22nd, 2017. For your GPS, our physical address is 11045 War Eagle Road Rogers, Arkansas 72756."

National and State Protected Areas

• Logan Cave National Wildlife Refuge - Logan Cave National Wildlife Refuge is a 646-acre wildlife refuge located in Benton County, Arkansas, in the United States. The refuge is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and is dedicated to the protection of a unique underground ecosystem that is home to a variety of rare and endangered species.

The refuge is centered around Logan Cave, which is a limestone cave that extends for approximately 1,600 feet underground. The cave is home to a variety of unique plant and animal species, including the endangered gray bat and the Ozark big-eared bat. These bats use the cave as a hibernation site during the winter months, and it is one of the largest gray bat hibernacula in the United States.

In addition to the bats, the refuge is home to a variety of other wildlife species, including turkey, deer, and a variety of songbirds and other small animals. The refuge is also home to several endangered plant species, including the Ozark trillium and the Ozark cavefish.

The Logan Cave National Wildlife Refuge is open to the public for limited recreational opportunities, such as wildlife observation and photography. However, due to the sensitive nature of the underground ecosystem, access to the cave itself is restricted to authorized personnel only.

The refuge is an important site for research and conservation efforts, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service works to protect the unique natural resources of the area through a variety of management strategies. These efforts help to ensure that Logan Cave and its surrounding ecosystem will continue to be preserved for future generations to enjoy.

• Ozark National Forest - The Ozark-St. Francis National Forest is a 1.2 million-acre forest located in northern Arkansas. The forest spans over 16 counties, including Benton County, and is managed by the United States Forest Service.

The Ozark-St. Francis National Forest is divided into two distinct regions: the Ozark National Forest and the St. Francis National Forest. The Ozark National Forest covers over 1 million acres and is characterized by steep hills, deep valleys, and clear mountain streams. The St. Francis National Forest covers approximately 22,600 acres and is located in eastern Arkansas, near the Mississippi River.

The forest is home to a variety of wildlife species, including black bear, white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and numerous species of songbirds and other small animals. The forest also contains a variety of unique geological formations, such as bluffs, caves, and waterfalls.

Recreational opportunities in the Ozark-St. Francis National Forest are abundant, with activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, and wildlife viewing available throughout the year. The forest is home to over 400 miles of hiking trails, including portions of the Ozark Highlands Trail and the Buffalo National River Trail. The forest also contains several campgrounds and picnic areas, as well as numerous streams and lakes for fishing and boating.

In addition to recreational opportunities, the Ozark-St. Francis National Forest is an important economic resource for the region. The forest supports a variety of industries, including timber, mining, and tourism, and provides numerous jobs and economic benefits to local communities.

Overall, the Ozark-St. Francis National Forest is an important natural and cultural resource in northern Arkansas. Its unique geological formations, diverse wildlife, and abundant recreational opportunities make it a popular destination for visitors from across the country.

• Pea Ridge National Military Park - Pea Ridge National Military Park is a 4,300-acre historical site located in Benton County, Arkansas. The park preserves and commemorates the site of the Battle of Pea Ridge, which was fought on March 7-8, 1862, during the American Civil War.

The Battle of Pea Ridge was a pivotal moment in the war, as it marked a significant Union victory that helped secure control of Missouri and Arkansas for the Union army. The battle was fought between the Union Army of the Southwest, led by General Samuel Curtis, and the Confederate Army of the West, led by General Earl Van Dorn.

The park includes several historical landmarks and monuments that commemorate the battle and its participants. These include the Elkhorn Tavern, which served as the headquarters for the Union army during the battle, as well as the Confederate Cemetery, which contains the remains of over 2,000 Confederate soldiers who died during the battle.

Visitors to the park can explore the various trails and exhibits that interpret the events of the battle and its aftermath. The park also hosts a variety of events and programs throughout the year, including living history demonstrations, ranger-led tours, and special exhibits.

In addition to its historical significance, Pea Ridge National Military Park is also home to a variety of wildlife species, including deer, turkey, and a variety of bird species. The park's scenic beauty and abundance of recreational opportunities, including hiking, biking, and fishing, make it a popular destination for visitors from across the region.

Overall, Pea Ridge National Military Park is an important cultural and historical resource in Benton County, Arkansas, and serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by the soldiers who fought and died during the Battle of Pea Ridge.

• Beaver Lake Wildlife Management Area (WMA) - The Beaver Lake Wildlife Management Area is a 7,000-acre wildlife management area located in Benton County, Arkansas. The area is managed by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and is dedicated to the conservation and management of a variety of wildlife species and their habitats.

The management area is centered around Beaver Lake, which is a 28,000-acre reservoir created by the construction of Beaver Dam on the White River. The lake and its surrounding shoreline provide important habitat for a variety of fish and wildlife species, including largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, and numerous species of waterfowl.

The Beaver Lake Wildlife Management Area is a popular destination for fishing and hunting, with opportunities available for both game and non-game species. The area is home to a variety of game species, including deer, turkey, and small game species such as squirrel and rabbit. Waterfowl hunting is also popular on the lake, with a variety of species, including mallards, wood ducks, and Canada geese.

In addition to hunting and fishing, the Beaver Lake Wildlife Management Area also provides opportunities for wildlife observation and photography. The area is home to a variety of bird species, including bald eagles, ospreys, and numerous species of waterfowl.

The management area also contains several campgrounds and picnic areas, as well as numerous hiking trails and other recreational opportunities. The trails provide opportunities for visitors to explore the area's diverse habitats, including upland forests, wetlands, and shoreline areas.

Overall, the Beaver Lake Wildlife Management Area is an important natural resource in Benton County, Arkansas, providing important habitat for a variety of fish and wildlife species and serving as a popular destination for hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation.

• Hobbs State Park – Conservation Area - Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area is a 12,054-acre park located in Benton County, Arkansas. The park is managed by the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism and is dedicated to the conservation of the region's natural and cultural resources.

The park is centered around Beaver Lake, a 28,000-acre reservoir created by the construction of Beaver Dam on the White River. The park contains over 30 miles of hiking trails, including portions of the Ozark Highlands Trail, which winds through the rugged terrain of the park's wooded hills and valleys. The park also provides opportunities for fishing, boating, and camping, with several campsites and boat ramps available for visitors.

The park is home to a variety of wildlife species, including white-tailed deer, wild turkey, bobcats, and numerous species of songbirds and other small animals. The park's diverse habitats, which include upland forests, wetlands, and streams, provide important habitat for a variety of fish and wildlife species.

In addition to its recreational opportunities, Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area is home to several historic and cultural landmarks. The park's Visitor Center contains exhibits and artifacts that interpret the region's cultural and natural history, including the park's history as a former home to early settlers and as a site of early logging and mining activities.

The park also contains several historic structures, including the Van Winkle Mill, a restored water-powered gristmill that dates back to the 19th century, and the historic War Eagle Bridge, which was built in 1907 and spans the War Eagle Creek.

Overall, Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area is an important natural and cultural resource in Benton County, Arkansas, providing important habitat for a variety of wildlife species and serving as a popular destination for outdoor recreation and historical and cultural exploration.

• Wedington Wildlife Management Area - The Wedington Wildlife Management Area is a 16,590-acre wildlife management area located in Benton County, Arkansas. The area is managed by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and is dedicated to the conservation and management of a variety of wildlife species and their habitats.

The management area is located along the Wedington Creek, a major tributary of the Illinois River, and is characterized by rolling hills and forested uplands. The area provides important habitat for a variety of game and non-game species, including deer, turkey, squirrels, rabbits, and a variety of bird species.

The Wedington Wildlife Management Area is a popular destination for hunting, with opportunities available for both game and non-game species. The area is also popular for wildlife observation and photography, with numerous trails and access points available for visitors to explore the area's diverse habitats.

In addition to hunting and wildlife observation, the Wedington Wildlife Management Area also provides opportunities for hiking, camping, and other outdoor recreational activities. The area contains several campgrounds and picnic areas, as well as numerous hiking trails that wind through the park's forested hills and valleys.

Overall, the Wedington Wildlife Management Area is an important natural resource in Benton County, Arkansas, providing important habitat for a variety of wildlife species and serving as a popular destination for hunting, wildlife observation, and outdoor recreation.

Benton County in the Civil War

Along with Pea Ridge, Benton County Civil War sites include

• Skirmish at Cross Hollow, June 23, 1864;
• Skirmish at Bentonville, May 22, 1863;
• Skirmishes near Elm Springs, July 30–31, 1864 also includes Washington County.
• Ft Smith Expedition November 5–16, 1864 Benton, Washington, and Sebastian counties
• Skirmish at Maysville January 1863
• Skirmish at Maysville September 5, 1863
• Skirmish at Maysville May 8, 1864
• Skirmish at Maysville July 20, 1864
• Skirmishes at Mud Town and Gerald Mountain aka Fayette Expedition August 24, 1864

Notables

• James L. Fischer was born on December 27, 1927 in Boaz, Alabama, but grew up in Gentry, Arkansas. He was an American engineer, who developed high-purity silicon technology for Texas Instruments.
• Edsel Ford was born on December 30, 1928 in Eva, Alabama, but lived most of his life in Arkansas. He attended high school in Rogers, Arkansas, and was a poet. He received many awards for his work, including the Alice Fay Di Castognola Award of the Poetry Society of America in 1966.
• Frances (Wilson) Grayson was born on June 25, 1892, in Cherokee City, Arkansas. She is a notable figure in history due to her unwavering determination and pioneering spirit in the field of aviation. With a passion ignited by Charles Lindbergh's trans-Atlantic flight, she set her sights on becoming the first woman to achieve this monumental feat. Her tenacity and perseverance in seeking financial backing and securing a cutting-edge aircraft for her mission demonstrated her extraordinary commitment to her goal. Despite facing fierce competition and challenging weather conditions, Frances fearlessly attempted multiple trans-Atlantic flights. Though tragically not reaching her destination, her daring pursuit made a lasting impact on aviation history, earning her a place among the trailblazing women who pushed the boundaries of human achievement. Her story continues to inspire and motivate aspiring aviators and adventurers worldwide.
• Loy Wesley Henderson was born on June 28, 1892 in Rogers, Arkansas. He was a United States Foreign Service Officer and diplomat.
• Joseph Alexander McAndrew was born on October 2, 1879 in Osage Mills, Arkansas. He played Army football and graduated at the United States Miliatry Academy, West Point. He was a World War I veteran and received the Distinguished Service Medal for his service.
• Albert Oscar Clark was born in Medina, New York around 1858. An American architect, he came to Arkansas and designed many historic buildings in Benton County, Arkansas.
• Hugh Anderson Dinsmore was born on December 24, 1850 in Cave Springs, Arkansas. He was an American lawyer and politician, who served six terms as a U.S. Representative from Arkansas. He was a vocal opponent of the Annexation of Hawaii. He also was the United States Consul General to Korea.
• Lee A. Seamster was born September 14, 1888 in Beaty, Arkansas. He was a lawyer and politician. Serving as Chief Justice of the Arkansas Supreme Court, Chancery Judge of the 13 District, and member of the Arkansas House of Representatives.
• Iris Louise (McPhetridge) Thaden was born on November 12, 1905 in Bentionville, Arkansas. She was an American aviation pioneer, the first woman to win the Bendix trophy, and was inducted into the Arkansas Aviation Historical Society's Hall of Fame in 1980.
• Aaron Anderson Van Winkle was born on 5 Jul 1829 in Alabama as a slave. He was brought to Arkansas as a small child. He rose to prominence as an industrialist and businessman.

Records and Resources

• United States Resources
• Arkansas State Genealogy Resources
• Wikipedia for Benton County, Arkansas
• FamilySearch - Benton County, Arkansas
• Encyclopedia of Arkansas - Benton County
• Edward G. Gerdes Arkansas Civil War Home Page