Van Buren

Photo Courtesy of Arkansas Historic Preservation Program

The Van Buren County Courthouse in Clinton is a Rustic-style structure with Art Deco influences built in 1934 by the Works Progress Administration. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1991.

Van Buren County Census

Van Buren County was formed in November 1833 from parts of Conway, Independence, and Izard counties. The county was named for Martin Van Buren, who was vice president of the United States at the time. It was part of Spanish and French colonies and Louisiana, Missouri and Arkansas territories before becoming the 29th county of the state of Arkansas.

Van Buren County has the stunning natural beauty of the Ozark Mountains unusual rock formations, deep gorges, waterfalls, natural bridges, and underground caverns.

Until the 1970s, it also had the typical problem of population loss due to lack of employment. The development of an industrial park in Clinton and recruitment of industry as diverse as cooper, plastics and poultry processing has changed the economic outlook.

Van Buren County is growing again. The 1990 census showed a 65 percent increase in population since 1970.

Congressman Snyder listens to constituents during "community office hours" in Fairfield Bay.

The most populous area is Fairfield Bay, with more than 4,000 people, but it isn't incorporated. A new highway between Fairfield Bay and Clinton provides a major artery to feed the county's economy.

The remote mountainous setting of the Gulf Mountain Wildlife Management Area lures hunters, fishermen, nature lovers. Photographers flock to features such as the Natural Bridge of Arkansas. The bridge was used as a roadway until after the turn of the century.

The Ozark National Forest offers hunting and camping in the Brock Creek and Driver Creek areas. The Little Red River flows through the Gulf Mountain Area, offering good fishing and camping along its shores. After its trip across Van Buren County, the river forms the Greers Ferry Reservoir.

The county has 40,000 acres of water. Greers Ferry Lake features boating, skiing, swimming, fishing, and hunting.

Sugar Loaf Mountain is an uninhabited island refuge for plant and animal life. An award-winning hiking trail winds its way from the waters edge to the mountain's summit.